You might be wondering which country has more male than female, since most population of the world are dominated by women. In this article you will find out which country has more male than female and why it is so, so ensure you read the article to the end in order not to miss any insight.

China has the largest male population in the world. This is largely due to its overall population size, which is the second largest globally after India. Both countries have a slightly higher number of men than women due to a combination of cultural, historical, and demographic factors.

Introduction to Male and Female Ratio

• China: As of recent data, China has over 700 million men, which is higher than any other country.
• India: India has a comparable number of men, nearly on par with China, and in the coming years may surpass China in total population.
• Male-to-Female Ratio: Many countries naturally have a roughly equal birth rate for boys and girls, but some countries show a higher male ratio due to societal or cultural influences.

China more Male than Female

China’s unique demographic structure, particularly its higher number of men than women, is shaped by several complex historical, social, and economic factors. This gender imbalance has significant implications for society, economy, and culture.

Key Factors Contributing to China’s Gender Imbalance

1. One-Child Policy (1979–2015):

Purpose and Implementation: China implemented the one-child policy to control its rapidly growing population. Families were generally limited to one child, especially in urban areas, though there were some exceptions in rural areas.

Preference for Male Children: In Chinese culture, there is a traditional preference for male heirs who can carry on the family name and are often expected to care for parents in old age. This led some families to prioritize having a male child.

Resulting Imbalance: Due to gender-selective practices and unbalanced birth rates during the one-child policy period, China saw a skewed gender ratio at birth, with significantly more boys than girls.

2. Technological Advancements and Gender-Selective Practices:

• Ultrasound and Prenatal Screening: The availability of ultrasound technology allowed for prenatal sex identification, contributing to sex-selective abortions.
• Sex Ratio at Birth: In China, the natural ratio of 105 boys to 100 girls was pushed higher due to these practices, creating a greater gap between the male and female populations over time.

3. Relaxation of Population Control Policies:

• Shift to Two-Child Policy: In 2015, China relaxed the one-child policy to a two-child policy in response to concerns about an aging population and the gender imbalance. The policy has now been further relaxed to encourage families to have up to three children.
• Impact on Gender Ratios: While this policy change aimed to rebalance demographics, the effects will take time to manifest, as past imbalances have already shaped the population.

Implications of the Male-Dominant Population

1. Marriage Market Imbalance:

• “Bare Branches”: A significant number of Chinese men, particularly those from rural areas or lower socioeconomic backgrounds, face challenges in finding spouses. This phenomenon, known as “bare branches,” results from a shortage of women in the marriage market.
• Social and Economic Pressure: As marriage is highly valued in Chinese culture, men who are unable to marry may experience social stigma, leading to potential social unrest and increased demand for social support systems.

2. Human Trafficking and Bride Purchases:

• Cross-Border Marriages: The shortage of women in China has led to an increase in cross-border marriages, particularly from neighboring countries, and, unfortunately, has also fueled human trafficking in some cases.
• Economic Exploitation: The increased demand for brides has, in some instances, created markets where families and brokers arrange marriages for profit, often exploiting women from economically disadvantaged regions.

3. Aging Population and Economic Impact:

• Dependency Ratios: China faces a rapidly aging population with fewer younger individuals available to support the elderly, particularly in a male-dominant population where fewer families might produce children.
• Labor Market Challenges: An imbalance in the working-age population and fewer women in the workforce can reduce overall economic productivity, affecting China’s long-term economic growth.

4. Social Dynamics and Gender Roles:

1. • Evolving Gender Norms: There is an increased societal focus on women’s empowerment, gender equality, and balancing traditional values with modern societal roles.
   • Impact on Men: Men, too, are experiencing changes in social expectations, especially regarding marriage, family roles, and career paths.

Government Responses and Long-Term Solutions

1. Encouraging Gender Balance: The Chinese government has recognized the gender imbalance as a pressing demographic issue and has taken steps to discourage gender-based discrimination and sex-selective practices.
2. Supporting Aging Population: Policies focused on elder care and incentives for families to have more children are part of a broader effort to balance the population pyramid.
3. Promoting Rural Development: The government is also working to address the rural-urban divide, which disproportionately affects the social and economic opportunities of single men in rural areas.

Conclusion

Addressing China’s gender imbalance is a long-term challenge that will require a blend of policy reforms, cultural shifts, and economic development. While the impacts of the one-child policy are gradually fading with policy shifts, the demographic and social effects of a male-dominant population will continue to shape China’s future.

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