Vineshvk, You are right in that this is due to narrow mentality, which in turn is a result of lack of education. I am not saying that all educated people are broad minded, but I am certain that education opens up peoples minds. They are able to think on their own rather than relying on someone else.
Also I believe that education of the female population is more important than the male population. I would say that if a family has resources that they can educate only one child, it should choose the female member.