Sex preference and fertility behavior: A study of recent Indian data

A preference for sons resulting from traditional religious beliefs social customs (dowry systems lineage familial and kinship ties etc.) and economic benefits including support of aging parents is widespread not only in India but also in many Asian countries. Evidence of son preference by region throughout the world was reviewed by Williamson (1976). Several studies based on data of the 60s and early 70s refer to the strong preference for sons among Indian couples (Bhatia 1978; Freedman and Coombs 1974; Indian Institute of Public Opinion 1967; Kapadia 1966; Lahiri 1974; Poffenberger 1967; Sarma and Jain 1974). This preference is still quite strong; a comparative analysis of 1970 and 1980 India Survey data collected by the Operations Research Group Baroda reveals that it had not changed much during 1970-80. The preference for sons and in fact for at least two sons as a combination is obvious in the data of both years (Das 1984a). There is however little empirical evidence on the extent to which fertility in developing countries like India is directly influenced by the desire for sons or a particular sex composition of children. (authors)

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