DR RAJKUMAR SINGH
The birth of a girl child, like the birth of any child, is primarily determined by genetic and biological factors and the key causes include:
a. Chromosomal Basis:Human sex isdetermined by the combination of sex chromosomes from the parents. Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).The sex of a child is determined by the sperm cell from the father. If the sperm carrying an X chromosome fertilizes the egg, the resulting combination will be XX, resulting in a female child. If the sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes the egg, the combination will be XY, resulting in a male child.
b. Biological Mechanisms: Sperm Composition:Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. The 23rd pair, known as the sex chromosomes, determines an individual’s sex. The ratio of X to Y chromosome-carrying sperm is approximately equal.The sex of the baby depends on which type of sperm fertilizes the egg.
c. Fertilization Process:During fertilization, a single sperm cell penetrates and fertilizes an egg cell. Since eggs always carry an X chromosome, the sex of the baby depends on whether an X or Y chromosome-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg.
d. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Maternal Environment:Some research suggests that the maternal environment might influence the likelihood of conceiving a boy or a girl, although the evidence is not definitive. Factors like diet, stress levels, and timing of intercourse in relation to ovulation have been proposed as potential influences.Paternal Factors:Certain paternal factors, such as the father’s age, health, and lifestyle, might also have a minor influence on the ratio of X to Y sperm produced, although this area is still under study. e.
Natural Variation: Random Chance:The determination of a child’s sex is largely a matter of chance. With roughly equal numbers of X and Y chromosome-carrying sperm, the likelihood of conceiving a boy or a girl is nearly equal, resulting in a natural balance in human populations over time.
Understanding the biological basis for the birth of a girl child helps dispel myths and reinforces the natural and equal likelihood of having a girl or a boy although, the natural sex ratio at birth slightly favours boys, with approximately 105 male births for every 100 female births. This ratio can vary based on demographic and environmental factors.
Boys and girls in pre-birth stage
The main differences between boys and girls in the prenatal phase include: a. Chromosomal Differences: The Y chromosome contains the SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene, which is crucial for male development. This gene triggers the formation of testes. In the absence of the SRY gene (as in XX embryos), ovaries develop.
b. Hormonal Differences: Testosterone: Boys: The SRY gene on the Y chromosome causes the undifferentiated gonads to develop into testes, which begin producing testosterone around the 7th week of gestation. Testosterone is crucial for the development of male reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
Girls: Without the SRY gene, the undifferentiated gonads develop into ovaries. Female embryos are exposed to lower levels of androgens, and they do not undergo the same hormone-driven changes as male embryos.
c. Development of Reproductive Organs: Internal Reproductive Structures:Boys: Testosterone promotes the development of the Wolffian ducts into male reproductive structures, including the epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles. Another substance produced by the testes, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), causes the Müllerian ducts to regress.Girls: In the absence of AMH and high levels of testosterone, the Müllerian ducts develop into female reproductive structures, including the fallopian tubes, uterus, and the upper part of the vagina. The Wolffian ducts regress due to the lack of testosterone.
External Genitalia: Boys: Under the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, the external genitalia develop into a penis and scrotum.Girls: In the absence of high levels of androgens, the external genitalia develop into a clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora.
d. Brain Development: Hormonal Effects on Brain Development:Prenatal exposure to testosterone affects the brain development of male foetuses, potentially influencing brain structure and later behaviour. Research suggests that these hormonal influences may lead to differences in areas such as spatial abilities and verbal skills, although the extent and impact of these differences are still subjects of ongoing study .Female brain development, without the influence of high levels of testosterone, follows a different pathway, which may contribute to variations in cognitive and behavioural patterns between genders. e. Growth Patterns: Growth Rates:Boys: Male foetuses tend to grow slightly faster and are, on average, heavier and longer at birth compared to female foetuses. Girls: Female foetuses generally have a slower growth rate but tend to have better survival rates and lower morbidity and mortality in utero. f. Genetic Conditions: Sex-linked Genetic Conditions:Boys: More susceptible to X-linked genetic disorders (e.g., haemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy) because they have only one X chromosome. A defective gene on the X chromosome has no counterpart to counter its effects.Girls: Less likely to express X-linked disorders because they have two X chromosomes. A healthy gene on one X chromosome can often compensate for a defective gene on the other.
Social perception
Social perceptions of a girl child vary widely across cultures and societies, influenced by historical, economic, and cultural factors. a. Positive Perceptions: Symbol of Prosperity and Continuity:In many cultures, a girl child is seen as a symbol of prosperity and continuity. For instance, in Hinduism, girls are often considered embodiments of goddesses like Lakshmi, representing wealth and fortune.Education and Empowerment:Increasingly, girls are being seen as vital contributors to society. Education for girls is promoted as essential for economic development and social progress.Campaigns like “Because I am a Girl” by Plan International advocate for girls’ rights and education, highlighting their potential to drive positive change.Role Models and Achievements:The success of women in various fields has led to a more positive perception of girl children. Figures like Malala Yousafzai, who advocate for girls’ education, serve as powerful role models. b. Negative Perceptions: Gender Bias and Discrimination:In many societies, deep-seated gender biases still exist. Preference for male children can lead to discrimination against girls, manifesting in practices like female infanticide or neglect.Girls often face disparities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunities compared to boys. In addition, in some cultures, girls are perceived as an economic burden due to practices like dowry, where the family of a girl is expected to provide significant financial gifts upon her marriage.This perception can lead to neglect and reduced investment in the health and education of girls.Continued efforts in education, advocacy, and community engagement are essential to fostering a world where girls are valued and empowered equally to boys.
(The Author is a youth motivator and former Head of the University Department of Political Science, B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura).