Step 1: Understanding Birth Rate
Birth rate refers to the number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. While India's birth rate has been declining, it remains relatively high compared to developed nations due to a mix of social, economic, and cultural factors.
Step 2: Key Reasons for High Birth Rate
Universality of Marriage: In India, marriage is a social compulsion. Almost every adult gets married, and early marriage (though illegal) is still prevalent in some rural areas, extending the reproductive span of women.
Preference for Male Child: The strong social preference for a son (son meta-preference) leads couples to continue having children until a boy is born.
Illiteracy and Lack of Awareness: Low literacy levels, especially among women, correlate with higher fertility rates. Lack of awareness about family planning methods contributes significantly.
Poverty: For the poor, children are often seen as economic assets who can work and earn for the family, rather than as liabilities.
High Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): In areas with high IMR, families tend to have more children to ensure that at least some survive to adulthood.