In 15 years Armenian men will not be able to find a bride or men with low
education and income will not marry at all. The reason is a possible
deficit of females, as at the moment couples often prevent the birth of
girls, Aravot writes.
According to research conducted by the UN Population Fund, together
with the Armenian ministry of health and the Republican Institute for
Reproductive Health, the annual number of abortions connected to the gender
of the possible child reached 1400. The research shows that now boys are
born 15% more frequently than girls. At the moment there are 118-120
newborn boys for every 100 girls.
According to experts, this might cause severe problems in the future.
Adult men unable to find a wife at home will have to migrate, which will
result in the population decreasing. On the other hand, the situation will
stimulate the growth of prostitution. It can also strengthen female
exploitation and gender inequality, as there will be more pressure on women
to perform their reproductive function.
Sociologist Artak Sagatelyan says that the preference given to the boys is
connected to the low living standards in Armenia. Respondents explain their
desire to have a boy by the fact that girls would have problems finding
jobs, while a boy can at least go abroad, while girls will have to stay in
Armenia and adjust. In addition, it is believed that in the situation of
the undeveloped pension and welfare systems, boys will be taking care of
their elderly parents while girls will become a part of the other family after
marriage.
