The Paradox of Modernity : A study of girl discrimination in urban Punjab, India

Abstract: This study has brought attention to the paradox of modernity, in which certain elements of tradition tend to survive the forces of modernisation and may even, as in this case, be amplified in society. The study demonstrated that modernity, when seen from a gendered perspective generates processes and results that favour men, not women. It has also argued that India is in a transition period, between the traditional and modern India, where old norms and expectations clash with modern ideas. The paradox of modernity was illustrated by the phenomenon of sex selection favouring sons over daughters at birth. With the purpose of examining attitudes towards son preference among urban middle class youth, the study has highlighted a situation in which modern and traditional views coexist in a sometimes paradoxical and contradictory manner. The analysis was based on field work conducted in Punjab in northern India, September - October 2004. Primary data was collected through focus groups discussions with university students and semi structured interviews with various other actors. The essay identified themes which are crucial components in the phenomenon of sex selection, themes which exemplify the paradox of modernity.