Is son preference slowing down India's transition to low fertility?
Mutharayappa, R.; Choe, M.K.; Arnold, F.; Roy, T.K.
National Family Health Survey Bulletin 1997(4): 1-4
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1083-8678 PMID: 12292159 Document Number: 268456
Findings are summarized from the Indian 1992-93 National Family Health Survey which collected data from nearly 90 000 women on a range of demographic and health topics. It is argued that the impact of son preference should be greatest in societies where the transition to low fertility has started but is not yet complete. The paper examines fertility levels and indicators of son preference in 19 Indian states, analyses the impact of son preference on fertility decline, and offers policy recommendations for alleviating some of the constraints that son preference imposes on India's social and economic development. It is concluded that a preference for sons exists in every part of India to some degree.