How Many Women On Earth Compared To Men: A Global Analysis?

How Many Women On Earth Compared To Men? COMPARE.EDU.VN delves into the global gender ratio, exploring its influencing factors and societal implications. This analysis provides insights into population distribution, considering aspects like birth rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns. Explore the evolving gender landscape and gain a comprehensive understanding of sex ratio dynamics, missing women, and gender bias using the tools that COMPARE.EDU.VN provides.

1. Understanding the Global Gender Ratio

The gender ratio, representing the balance between male and female populations, is a dynamic metric influenced by various biological, social, technological, cultural, and economic forces. This ratio significantly impacts society, demography, and the economy, making its analysis crucial for understanding population dynamics and societal trends.

1.1 Defining the Gender Ratio

The gender ratio is a metric that compares the number of males to females in a population. It’s often expressed as the number of males per 100 females or as the percentage of females in the total population. This ratio is not static; it evolves due to a complex interplay of factors that impact birth rates, mortality rates, and migration patterns.

1.2 Factors Influencing the Gender Ratio

Several factors contribute to the gender ratio:

Birth Rates: Globally, there is a slight male bias at birth, with more male babies born than female babies. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the expected sex ratio at birth to be around 105 boys per 100 girls.
Mortality Rates: Women tend to live longer than men on average. This difference in life expectancy affects the gender ratio in older age groups, with a higher proportion of women in the elderly population.
Migration: Immigration and emigration patterns can influence gender ratios in specific regions. For instance, male-dominated labor migration can lead to a higher male population in certain areas.
Social and Cultural Practices: In some regions, cultural preferences for sons have led to skewed sex ratios due to sex-selective practices.
Healthcare Access: Disparities in healthcare access and quality can impact mortality rates, affecting the gender ratio.

1.3 Global Overview of the Gender Ratio

In 2021, the global female share of the population was just under 50%. However, this share varies significantly across countries due to the factors mentioned above. Countries with higher female populations are often found in Eastern Europe, where there are significant sex gaps in life expectancy due to higher mortality rates in adult men. Conversely, some countries in South and East Asia, like India and China, have lower female shares due to differences in sex ratios at birth. Middle Eastern countries such as Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia tend to have higher male shares due to male immigration.

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2. The Sex Ratio Through the Lifespan

The sex ratio changes throughout the lifespan due to variations in mortality rates between males and females. Analyzing the sex ratio at different age groups provides insights into the impact of biological and social factors on population structure.

2.1 Understanding the Sex Ratio by Age Group

The sex ratio, measured as the number of males per 100 females, varies significantly across different age groups:

At Birth: Globally, the sex ratio at birth is male-biased, with approximately 105 males born for every 100 females.
Childhood: The male bias continues into childhood, but the ratio gradually declines as boys experience higher mortality rates than girls.
Adulthood: As individuals move through adulthood, the sex ratio declines further due to women’s longer life expectancy.
Elderly: In older age groups, the sex ratio is significantly lower, with more women than men. For example, among 70-year-olds, there are approximately 86 men per 100 women.

2.2 Global Variations in the Sex Ratio by Age

The decline in the sex ratio with age is more pronounced in some countries than others. For example, in Russia, by age 50, there were only 91 males per 100 females in 2021. By 70 years old, there were around half as many men as women. These variations are influenced by factors such as healthcare access, lifestyle choices, and social conditions.

2.3 Factors Contributing to the Changing Sex Ratio

Several factors contribute to the changing sex ratio throughout the lifespan:

Biological Factors: Men are biologically more vulnerable to certain health conditions and have higher mortality rates in infancy and childhood.
Lifestyle Choices: Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, contributing to higher mortality rates.
Healthcare Access: Disparities in healthcare access and quality can affect mortality rates, particularly in older age groups.
Social Factors: Social and economic conditions can influence mortality rates, particularly in countries with gender disparities.

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3. Analyzing the Sex Ratio at Birth

The sex ratio at birth (SRB), defined as the number of boys born for every 100 girls, is a key indicator of demographic balance. Understanding the factors that influence the SRB is crucial for addressing gender imbalances and promoting gender equality.

3.1 Understanding the Sex Ratio at Birth

The sex ratio at birth is influenced by biological and social factors:

Biological Factors: In most countries, there are around 105 males per 100 female births. This is considered the “expected sex ratio at birth” by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Sex-Selective Practices: In some countries, cultural preferences for sons have led to skewed sex ratios due to sex-selective abortion practices.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors and maternal health can also influence the sex ratio at birth.

3.2 Global Variations in the Sex Ratio at Birth

The sex ratio at birth varies significantly across countries. Some countries, such as China, India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, have highly skewed sex ratios, indicating potential sex-selective practices.

3.3 Factors Contributing to Skewed Sex Ratios

Several factors contribute to skewed sex ratios at birth:

Cultural Preferences: Strong cultural preferences for sons, often rooted in patriarchal social structures and economic considerations.
Access to Technology: The availability and use of prenatal sex determination technologies, such as ultrasound and amniocentesis.
Legal and Policy Frameworks: The presence or absence of laws and policies regulating sex-selective practices.
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality can exacerbate son preference and sex-selective practices.

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4. The Sex Ratio and Birth Order

The sex ratio can also vary with the birth order of children, influenced by parental preferences and cultural norms. Analyzing how the sex ratio changes with birth order provides insights into family dynamics and gender bias.

4.1 Understanding the Sex Ratio and Birth Order

The sex ratio at birth can be influenced by the birth order of children:

Firstborn Children: The sex ratio among firstborn children is often close to the expected ratio of 105 boys per 100 girls.
Later-Born Children: In some countries, the sex ratio can be skewed for later-born children, particularly when parents have a strong preference for sons.

4.2 Global Variations in the Sex Ratio by Birth Order

The sex ratio by birth order varies significantly across countries:

India: In India, parents are more likely to continue having children when their child is a girl, and they are more likely to stop having children when they have a boy. This indicates a strong preference for sons.
Indonesia: In Indonesia, sex ratios do not diverge strongly from the expected ratio, and there is no clear difference when the child is or isn’t the last to be born.
South Korea: In South Korea, there was a very steep rise in the sex ratio of third-, fourth- and later children through the 1980s, indicating sex-selective practices.
China: In China, sex ratios have also been clearly affected by birth order, with a rise in the bias for male first-born children and a more significant skew in the ratio in second or third-born children.

4.3 Factors Contributing to Variations in Sex Ratio by Birth Order

Several factors contribute to variations in the sex ratio by birth order:

Parental Preferences: Strong parental preferences for sons, often rooted in cultural and economic considerations.
Family Size: The desired family size and the likelihood of having a son by chance.
Access to Technology: The availability and use of prenatal sex determination technologies.
Legal and Policy Frameworks: The presence or absence of laws and policies regulating sex-selective practices.

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5. The Sex Ratio in Childhood

The sex ratio in childhood, particularly among five-year-olds, provides insights into the impact of biological and social factors on child survival. Analyzing the sex ratio in childhood is essential for addressing gender imbalances and promoting child welfare.

5.1 Understanding the Sex Ratio in Childhood

The sex ratio in childhood is influenced by biological and social factors:

Biological Factors: Boys tend to have higher mortality rates than girls in infancy and early childhood.
Social Factors: Social and economic conditions can influence child mortality rates, particularly in countries with gender disparities.

5.2 Global Variations in the Sex Ratio in Childhood

The sex ratio among five-year-olds varies significantly across countries:

China: In China, there were close to 115 boys per 100 girls at age five in 2021, indicating a highly skewed sex ratio.
India: In India, there were around 109 boys per 100 girls at age five in 2021, also indicating a skewed sex ratio.

5.3 Factors Contributing to Variations in Sex Ratio in Childhood

Several factors contribute to variations in the sex ratio in childhood:

Infant and Child Mortality: Higher mortality rates for boys in infancy and early childhood.
Healthcare Access: Disparities in healthcare access and quality can affect child mortality rates.
Nutritional Status: Malnutrition and undernutrition can contribute to higher mortality rates, particularly in developing countries.
Social and Cultural Practices: Gender discrimination and unequal treatment can lead to higher mortality rates for girls.

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6. Higher Mortality Rates in Boys Compared to Girls

Boys generally experience higher mortality rates compared to girls, especially in infancy and early childhood. Understanding the reasons behind this disparity is crucial for improving child health and reducing gender inequalities in survival.

6.1 Understanding Mortality Rate Differences

The differences in mortality rates between boys and girls are influenced by biological and social factors:

Biological Factors: Boys are biologically more vulnerable to certain health conditions and have higher mortality rates in infancy and childhood.
Social Factors: Social and economic conditions can influence child mortality rates, particularly in countries with gender disparities.

6.2 Global Variations in Child Mortality by Sex

Child mortality rates vary significantly between boys and girls across countries:

Higher Mortality in Boys: Child mortality is more common for boys in almost all countries of the world, with the exception of India.
Declining Child Mortality: Child mortality has been falling rapidly across the world, especially over the past century, for both boys and girls.

6.3 Factors Contributing to Higher Mortality Rates in Boys

Several factors contribute to higher mortality rates in boys:

Birth Complications: Boys are at higher risk of birth complications, such as preterm births, asphyxia, birth defects, and heart anomalies.
Infectious Diseases: Boys are more susceptible to a range of infectious diseases due to a less developed immune system.
Genetic Disorders: Males are more susceptible to a range of genetic disorders due to their single X chromosome.
Hormonal Factors: Sex hormones may be another reason for weaker immune systems in males, as males have much higher levels of testosterone, which seem to inhibit B and T-cells of the immune system.

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7. Missing Girls and Women: Addressing Gender Imbalance

The issue of “missing girls and women” highlights the severe consequences of gender discrimination and son preference in certain regions. Understanding the causes and implications of this phenomenon is crucial for promoting gender equality and human rights.

7.1 Understanding the Issue of Missing Girls and Women

The concept of “missing women” refers to the gap between the actual number of women in a population and the expected number of women in a population if sex discrimination was absent. This includes women missing due to practices like sex-selective abortions, infanticide, neglect, or maltreatment.

7.2 Biology vs. Discrimination: Skewed Sex Ratios at Birth

In some countries, the sex ratio at birth is too skewed to be explained by biological differences alone. This suggests that deliberate selection practices, such as sex-selective abortions, are contributing to the imbalance.

7.3 Global Variations in Sex Ratios

Several countries, particularly in Asia, exhibit skewed sex ratios at birth:

China: China has a highly skewed sex ratio, with a significant number of missing women.
India: India also has a skewed sex ratio, with a preference for sons leading to sex-selective practices.
Vietnam: Vietnam exhibits a skewed sex ratio, with a notable gender imbalance.
Other Countries: Other countries, such as Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hong Kong, Montenegro, South Korea, Taiwan, and Tunisia, also have skewed sex ratios.

7.4 Factors Contributing to Missing Girls and Women

Several factors contribute to the issue of missing girls and women:

Cultural Preferences: Strong cultural preferences for sons, often rooted in patriarchal social structures and economic considerations.
Access to Technology: The availability and use of prenatal sex determination technologies, such as ultrasound and amniocentesis.
Legal and Policy Frameworks: The presence or absence of laws and policies regulating sex-selective practices.
Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and gender inequality can exacerbate son preference and sex-selective practices.

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8. Infanticide: A Dark Chapter in History

Infanticide, the deliberate killing of newborns and infants, is a tragic practice that has occurred throughout history. Understanding the historical context and motivations behind infanticide is essential for preventing such practices and promoting child welfare.

8.1 Understanding Infanticide

Infanticide has a long history, spanning all periods of human history and occurring across different cultures and societies. It can be driven by various factors, including economic hardship, social pressures, and gender discrimination.

8.2 Historical Evidence and Estimates of Infanticide

Historical evidence and estimates suggest that infanticide was common in prehistoric societies and ancient cultures:

Prehistoric Societies: Estimates for infanticide in prehistoric societies range from 15% to 50% of newborns killed in the first year of life.
Ancient Cultures: Infanticide was common in many ancient cultures, with evidence existing in the form of preserved burial remains, documented records, or writings suggestive of the practice.

8.3 Both Sexes as Victims of Infanticide

While infanticide is often associated with female infanticide, both sexes have been victims of this practice throughout history:

Female-Selective Infanticide: There is significant evidence of female-selective infanticide throughout history, particularly in societies with strong son preferences.
Male-Selective Infanticide: Evidence of male-selective infanticide is rarer but does exist in some cultures.
Non-Gender-Specific Infanticide: In some cases, infanticide occurs without clear gender discrimination, driven by factors such as economic hardship or social pressures.

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9. Estimating the Number of Missing Women

The term “missing women” refers to the gap between the actual number of women in a population and the expected number if there were no gender discrimination. Estimating this number is crucial for understanding the scale of gender-based violence and discrimination.

9.1 Understanding the Concept of Missing Women

The term “missing women” was first coined in 1990 by Indian economist Amartya Sen, who estimated that “more than 100 million women are missing”. This gap is due to practices like sex-selective abortions, infanticide, neglect, or maltreatment.

9.2 Challenges in Estimating the Number of Missing Women

There are several challenges in calculating the number of missing women:

Accuracy of Reported Data: The accuracy of reported birth rates and population data can affect the estimation.
Expected Sex Ratio: Knowing the exact expected sex ratio at each stage in life is difficult due to variations across different regions and time periods.
Measurement Issues: The combination of these measurement issues means that any estimate of the number of missing women comes with fairly high uncertainty.

9.3 Global Estimates of Missing Women

Despite the challenges, several researchers have attempted to estimate the number of missing women:

Sen (1990): Estimated more than 100 million missing women in 1990.
Coale (1991): Estimated 60 million missing women in 1990.
Bongaarts & Guilmoto (2015): Estimated 136 million missing women in 2015.

These estimates indicate that the number of missing women is substantial and continues to be a significant issue.

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10. Why Son Preference Exists

In many parts of the world, there is a strong cultural preference for sons. Understanding the reasons behind this preference is essential for addressing gender inequality and promoting equal opportunities for girls.

10.1 Understanding the Root Causes of Son Preference

Son preference is most common in countries across East and South Asia, but also in some countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The reasons for this preference include:

Patrilineality: The logic that productive assets move through the male line within the family.
Economic Benefits: Sons are often seen as providing greater economic support to the family, particularly in old age.
Social Benefits: Sons are valued for their role in continuing the family name and lineage.
Cultural Norms: Cultural norms and traditions often reinforce the preference for sons, leading to gender discrimination.

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11. Consequences of a Skewed Sex Ratio

A skewed sex ratio, with an excess of males, can lead to several adverse consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Understanding these consequences is essential for addressing gender imbalances and promoting social stability.

11.1 Understanding the Consequences

The consequences of a skewed sex ratio include:

Unmarriageable Men: A large number of unmarriageable men, leading to delayed marriage or forgoing marriage altogether.
Impact on Women: Increased pressure on women to marry and have children, potentially closing off different economic or labor opportunities.
Risk of Violence: Women may be at increased risk of violence, emotional, sexual, or physical, or trafficking.
Social Instability: Potential for more crime, violence, and disorder in communities due to an excess of men who don’t marry and have their own families.

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12. Factors Influencing Gender Bias

Gender bias, as reflected in skewed sex ratios, is influenced by various socioeconomic and cultural factors. Understanding these factors is essential for addressing gender discrimination and promoting gender equality.

12.1 Understanding the Influence of Socioeconomic Factors

Several factors influence gender bias:

Income and Education: Counterintuitively, richer, urban families may discriminate more than the poor due to the “fertility squeeze.”
Fertility Rates: Declining fertility rates exacerbate gender preference, as parents are less likely to have a son by chance in smaller families.
Cultural Norms: Strong cultural norms and traditions that reinforce the preference for sons.

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13. Impact of Prenatal Practices on Abortion and Skewed Sex Ratios

The use of prenatal sex determination technologies and sex-selective abortions has a significant impact on skewed sex ratios. Understanding the effectiveness of policies aimed at regulating these practices is crucial for addressing gender imbalances.

13.1 Understanding the Role of Prenatal Practices

Prenatal sex selection relies on two technologies: prenatal sex determination and selective abortion. Policies that aim to regulate these practices have had varying degrees of success:

Banning Prenatal Sex Identification: South Korea, China, and India all implemented sex-selective abortion bans, but the sex ratio continued to increase after the bans.
Effectiveness of Bans: Many researchers acknowledge that we don’t know the counterfactual scenario without a ban, and some argue that bans were effective in preventing a worsening of gender imbalance, even if they didn’t reduce it.

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14. FAQs: Understanding Gender Ratios

14.1 What is the global gender ratio, and how is it calculated?

The global gender ratio is the proportion of males to females in the world’s population. It’s calculated by dividing the number of males by the number of females and is often expressed as the number of males per 100 females. In 2021, the female share of the global population was just under 50%.

14.2 What factors influence the gender ratio in a population?

Several factors influence the gender ratio, including birth rates (more male births), mortality rates (women tend to live longer), migration patterns, and social and cultural practices like sex-selective abortions.

14.3 How does the sex ratio change throughout a person’s lifespan?

At birth, there are typically more males than females. However, due to higher male mortality rates, the sex ratio declines with age. In older age groups, there are significantly more women than men.

14.4 What is the expected sex ratio at birth, and why does it sometimes vary?

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the “expected sex ratio at birth” to be around 105 males per 100 females. However, this ratio can vary due to biological factors, environmental influences, and social practices like sex-selective abortions.

14.5 What is son preference, and how does it affect gender ratios?

Son preference is a cultural preference for having sons over daughters. In regions with strong son preference, sex-selective abortions can lead to skewed sex ratios with fewer females.

14.6 What are “missing women,” and how is their number estimated?

“Missing women” refers to the difference between the actual number of women in a population and the expected number if there were no gender discrimination. Estimating this number involves comparing observed sex ratios to expected values, accounting for birth rates, mortality rates, and age structure.

14.7 How do economic and social factors influence gender ratios?

Economic development, education, and cultural norms can influence gender ratios. For example, declining fertility rates combined with son preference can lead to sex-selective abortions, resulting in skewed ratios.

14.8 What policies have been implemented to address skewed sex ratios, and how effective are they?

Some countries have implemented bans on prenatal sex identification and sex-selective abortions. While these policies may help prevent a worsening of the gender imbalance, they have not always been effective in reducing skewed sex ratios.

14.9 What are the potential consequences of a skewed sex ratio in a society?

A skewed sex ratio can lead to various social and economic consequences, including a surplus of unmarriageable men, increased pressure on women to marry and have children, and potential social instability.

14.10 Where can I find reliable data and comparisons on gender ratios around the world?

You can find reliable data and comparisons on gender ratios at COMPARE.EDU.VN. Our platform offers comprehensive data, expert analysis, and interactive tools to help you understand gender dynamics worldwide.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of Gender Ratios

Understanding the global gender ratio is crucial for addressing gender imbalances, promoting gender equality, and ensuring social stability. Factors such as birth rates, mortality rates, cultural preferences, and access to technology all play a role in shaping gender dynamics across different regions. By providing comprehensive data, expert analysis, and interactive tools, COMPARE.EDU.VN empowers you to make informed decisions and gain a deeper understanding of these complex issues.

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