Research

Sources: National Bureau of Statistics, 1982, 1990, 2000, and 2010 Population Censuses, (respectively published in 1985, 1993, 2002 and 2012); 1987, 1995 and 2005 One Per cent Population Sample Surveys (respectively published in 1988, 1997 and 2007); Annual National Sample Survey on Population Changes, other years (published via annual Statistical Communiqué on the National Economic and Social Development)

Figure 1.10
In the absence of intervention, the human sex ratio at birth lies between 103 and 107 male births per 100 female births. As men have a higher mortality rate than women, the sex ratio at birth is higher than the sex ratio observed later in life, such as at reproductive age. In China, the sex ratio at birth has become increasingly skewed in general, growing from 109 males per 100 females in 1982 to 118 males per 100 females in recent years. The abnormally high SRB and the associated number of "missing women" in China highlights the extent to which girls are denied the right to life and reflects deep-seated sex discrimination that adversely affects girls' development.