Inmagic CS/WebPublisher PRO found 2112 records

Your search found 2112 record(s).
New Basic Search | New Advanced Search | POPLINE Document Delivery Policy

Subscription may be needed for full text

Peer Reviewed

Title: Second-trimester abortions and sex-selection of children in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Author: Belanger D; Oanh KT
Source: Population Studies. 2009 Jul;63(2):163-71.
Abstract: Because sex-selective abortions are generally conducted during the second term of the pregnancy, timing of abortion can be used as an indirect way of studying sex-selection by abortion. We examined the likelihood of having a first-trimester vs. second-trimester abortion among a group of 885 married women who had an abortion in an obstetric hospital in Hanoi in 2003. In the absence of sex-selection by abortion, the number and sex of living children should not affect the timing of abortion. Results indicate that women with more children, particularly those with more daughters or without a son, were more likely to undergo a second-term abortion than a first-term abortion. We estimate that, in 2003, 2 per cent of all abortions to women with at least one living child were intended to avoid the birth of a female.
Language: English
Keywords:
VIETNAM | URBAN AREAS | RESEARCH REPORT | ABORTION | CURRENTLY MARRIED | SONS | PREGNANCY, FIRST TRIMESTER | PREGNANCY, SECOND TRIMESTER | SEX PRESELECTION | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX RATIO | POPULATION POLICY | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Geographic Factors | Population | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Demographic Factors | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Reproductive Technologies | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors
Document Number: 342945 Notification

Title: [Trends in sex ratio at birth according to parental social positions: results from vital statistics birth, 1981-2004 in Korea]
Author: Chun H; Kim IH; Khang YH
Source: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health. 2009 Mar;42(2):143-50.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: South Korea has experienced unprecedented ups and downs in the sex ratio at birth (SRB), which has been a unique phenomenon in the last two decades. However, little is known about socioeconomic factors that influence the SRB. Employing the diffusion theory by Rogers, this study was undertaken to examine the trends in social variations in the SRB from 1981 to 2004 in Korea. METHODS: The data was taken from Vital Birth Statistics for the period from 1981-2004. We computed the annual male proportion of live births according to the parental education (university, middle/high school, primary) and occupation (non-manual, manual, others). Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the odds ratios of male birth according to social position for the equidistant three time periods (1981-1984, 1991-1994, and 2001-2004). RESULTS: An increased SRB was detected among parents with higher social position before the mid 1980s. Since then, however, a greater SRB was found for the less educated and manual jobholders. The inverse social gradient for the SRB was most prominent in early 1990s, but the gap has narrowed since the late 1990s. The mother's socioeconomic position could be a sensitive indicator of the social variations in the sex ratio at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the relationship of parental social position with the SRB were detected during the 1980-2004 in Korea. This Korean experience may well be explained by diffusion theory, suggesting there have been socioeconomic differences in the adoption and spread of sex-detection technology.
Language: Korean
Keywords:
DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | VITAL STATISTICS | SEX RATIO | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Population Statistics | Research Methodology | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors
Document Number: 341819

Peer Reviewed

Title: Sex ratio at birth and family composition in sub-saharan Africa: inter-couple variations.
Author: Garenne M
Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2009 May;41(3):399-407.
Abstract: In this study, sex ratios at birth (male/female births) were found to vary according to family composition. Using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) maternity histories from sub-Saharan Africa, the study shows that the sex ratio at birth increases with the number of previous male births and decreases with the number of previous female births. For families with only males, the sex ratio increases from 1.046 for the first birth to 1.083 for the 8th birth. For families with only females, the sex ratio decreases from 1.046 for the first birth to 0.942 for the 8th birth. The differences were highly significant when tested with a linear logistic model (p=0.018 for males; p=1.85 x 10(-11) for females). The effect was not symmetrical, and was found to be significantly stronger for females. These effects could be reproduced assuming a strong heterogeneity between couples. The distribution of sex ratios was fitted with an asymmetrical log-gamma function, which revealed a wide range of variation in the sex ratio between 0.50 and 1.30, and a peak around 1.14. The results and their implications are discussed in the light of former findings in France and in the United States of America.
Language: English
Keywords:
AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | STATISTICAL STUDIES | COUPLES | SEX RATIO | FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS | BIRTH HISTORY | Africa | Developing Countries | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Studies | Research Methodology | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Pregnancy History | Fertility Measurements | Fertility
Document Number: 341403

Peer Reviewed

Title: Recent increase in sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam.
Author: Guilmoto CZ; Hoang X; Van TN
Source: PLoS One. 2009;4(2):e4624.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Since the 1980s, sex ratio at birth (male births per 100 female births) has increased in many Asian countries as a result of selective abortions, but to date there has been no such evidence for Viet Nam. Our aim in this paper is to ascertain the situation with respect to sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam over the past five years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Original data were obtained from sample population surveys in Viet Nam recording annual birth rates since 2000 of about 450,000 women, as well as from two successive birth surveys conducted for the first time in 2007 (1.1 million births). The annual population surveys include specific information on birth history and mothers' characteristics to be used for the analysis of trends and differentials in sex ratio at birth. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Birth history statistics indicate that the SRB in Viet Nam has recorded a steady growth since 2001. Starting from a level probably close to the biological standard of 105, the SRB reached 108 in 2005 and 112 in 2006, a value significantly above the normal level. An independent confirmation of these results comes from the surveys of births in health facilities which yielded a SRB of 110 in 2006-07. High SRB is linked to various factors such as access to modern health care, number of prenatal visits, level of higher education and employment status, young age, province of residence and prenatal sex determination. These results suggest that prenatal sex determination followed by selective abortion has recently become more common in Viet Nam. This recent trend is a consequence of various factors such as preference for sons, declining fertility, easy access to abortion, economic development as well as the increased availability of ultrasonography facilities.
Language: English
Keywords:
VIETNAM | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | SONS | SEX RATIO | MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES | EMPLOYMENT STATUS | SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS | ABORTION | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | ANTENATAL CARE | SEX PREFERENCE | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior
Document Number: 331220 Notification

Title: Ratio of males to females in China is still high, but only partly because of the one child policy [editorial]
Author: Liu T; Zhang XY
Source: BMJ. 2009;338:b483.
Abstract: China's high ratio of males to females would have persisted if attitudes towards female offspring had not changed. Encouragingly, it seems that the tradition of preferring sons is shifting with the socioeconomic changes that come with urbanisation and industrialisation. For example, more and more young women in the cities claim to prefer a small family, and-more importantly- they have no preference for one sex over the other. Indeed, Zhu and colleagues report a decrease in the male to female ratio for the 2005 cohort, which may indicate the beginning of a reduction in the male to female sex ratio for the future. China can learn much from its neighbouring countries about reversing the worsening sex ratio. Korea was the first country to report very high male to female ratios at birth because of the preference for sons and the widespread use of sex selective technology. In 1992, the male to female ratio for fourth births in South Korea was an astounding 229:100, in sharp contrast to the overall ratio of 114:100. From the mid- 1990s, however, a public awareness campaign warning of the dangers of such distortion, combined with strictly enforced laws forbidding sex selection technology, has led to a decline in the male to female ratio from 116:100 in 1998 to 110:100 in 2004. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | POPULATION | ONE CHILD POLICY | SEX RATIO | AGE FACTORS | ABORTION | SEX PREFERENCE | REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Antinatalist Policy | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Reproduction
Document Number: 331269 Notification

Title: China's excess males, sex selective abortion, and one child policy: analysis of data from 2005 national intercensus survey.
Author: Zhu WX; Lu L; Hesketh T
Source: BMJ. 2009;338:b1211.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To elucidate current trends and geographical patterns in the sex ratio at birth and in the population aged under 20 in China and to determine the roles played by sex selective abortion and the one child policy. DESIGN: Analysis of household based cross sectional population survey done in November 2005. SETTING: All of China's 2861 counties. Population 1% of the total population, selected to be broadly representative of the total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Sex ratio defined as males per 100 females. RESULTS: 4 764 512 people under the age of 20 were included. Overall sex ratios were high across all age groups and residency types, but they were highest in the 1-4 years age group, peaking at 126 (95% confidence interval 125 to 126) in rural areas. Six provinces had sex ratios of over 130 in the 1-4 age group. The sex ratio at birth was close to normal for first order births but rose steeply for second order births, especially in rural areas, where it reached 146 (143 to 149). Nine provinces had ratios of over 160 for second order births. The highest sex ratios were seen in provinces that allow rural inhabitants a second child if the first is a girl. Sex selective abortion accounts for almost all the excess males. One particular variant of the one child policy, which allows a second child if the first is a girl, leads to the highest sex ratios. CONCLUSIONS: In 2005 males under the age of 20 exceeded females by more than 32 million in China, and more than 1.1 million excess births of boys occurred. China will see very high and steadily worsening sex ratios in the reproductive age group over the next two decades. Enforcing the existing ban on sex selective abortion could lead to normalisation of the ratios.
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | HOUSEHOLDS | ONE CHILD POLICY | ABORTION | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX RATIO | HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | AGE FACTORS | POPULATION PROJECTION | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Antinatalist Policy | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Geography | Social Sciences | Science | Estimation Techniques
Document Number: 331270 Notification

Title: Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields; male infertility and sex ratio of offspring.
Author: Baste V; Riise T; Moen BE
Source: European Journal of Epidemiology. 2008 May;23(5):369-377.
Abstract: Concern is growing about exposure to electromagnetic fields and male reproductive health. The authors performed a cross-sectional study among military men employed in the Royal Norwegian Navy, including information about work close to equipment emitting radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, one-year infertility, children and sex of the offspring. Among 10,497 respondents, 22% had worked close to high-frequency aerials to a "high" or "very high" degree. Infertility increased significantly along with increasing self-reported exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. In a logistic regression, odds ratio (OR) for infertility among those who had worked closer than 10 m from high-frequency aerials to a "very high" degree relative to those who reported no work near high-frequency aerials was 1.86 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-2.37), adjusted for age, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and exposure to organic solvents, welding and lead. Similar adjusted OR for those exposed to a "high", "some" and "low" degree were 1.93 (95% CI: 1.55-2.40), 1.52 (95% CI: 1.25-1.84), and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.15-1.68), respectively. In all age groups there were significant linear trends with higher prevalence of involuntary childlessness with higher self-reported exposure to radiofrequency fields. However, the degree of exposure to radiofrequency radiation and the number of children were not associated. For self-reported exposure both to high-frequency aerials and communication equipment there were significant linear trends with lower ratio of boys to girls at birth when the father reported a higher degree of radiofrequency electromagnetic exposure. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
NORWAY | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | STATISTICAL REGRESSION | HEALTH SURVEYS | EPIDEMIOLOGIC METHODS | MEN | MILITARY PERSONNEL | INFERTILITY | SEX RATIO | ELECTRICITY | RADIO | OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH | PREVALENCE | Europe, Northern | Europe | Developed Countries | Research Methodology | Data Analysis | Health | Demographic Factors | Population | Government | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Reproduction | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Energy Supply | Natural Resources | Environment | Broadcast Media | Mass Media | Communication | Measurement
Document Number: 326442

Title: Violence against women and girls: a compendium of monitoring and evaluation indicators.
Author: Bloom SS
Source: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center, MEASURE Evaluation, 2008 Oct. 250 p. (USAID Contract No. GPO-A-00-03-00003-00)
Abstract: MEASURE Evaluation and a technical advisory group developed this compendium for program managers, organizations, and policy-makers who are working to address violence against women and girls at the individual, community, district/provincial and national levels in developing countries. Indicators were developed to measure the following areas within VAW/G: Magnitude and characteristics of different forms of VAW/G (skewed sex rations, intimate partner violence, violence from someone other than an intimate partner, female genital cutting/mutilation and child marriage); Programs addressing VAW/G by sector (health, education, justice/security, social welfare); and Under-documented forms of VAW/G and emerging areas (humanitarian emergencies, trafficking in persons, femicide), and preventing VAW/G (youth, community mobilization, working with men and boys) The indicators can also be used by programs that may not specifically focus on VAW/G, but include reducing levels of VAW/G as part of their aims. The indicators have been designed to address information needs that can be assessed with quantitative methods to measure program performance and achievement at the community, regional and national levels. While many of the indicators have been used in the field, they have not necessarily been tested in multiple settings.
Language: English
Keywords:
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | MANUAL | EVALUATION INDEXES | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | CHILD, FEMALE | VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | MONITORING | USAID | HEALTH STATUS INDEXES | PROGRAM EVALUATION | FEMALE GENITAL CUTTING | INFORMATION SOURCES | SEX RATIO | CHILD MARRIAGE | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Government Agencies | Organizations | Political Factors | Health | Programs | Organization and Administration | Harmful Traditional Practices | Traditional Health Practices | Culture | Information | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Marriage Patterns | Marriage | Nuptiality
Document Number: 329558

10.
Peer Reviewed

Title: Trends and differentials in child sex ratio in Karnataka: a sub-district level analysis.
Author: Deshpande RV
Source: Journal of Family Welfare. 2008 Jun;54(1):62-78.
Abstract: An attempt has been made in this paper to understand the trends and differentials for the decline in the child sex ratio. The sex ratio of children i.e. number of females per 1000 males has been calculated at state/ district/ sub district level for rural and urban areas for 1991 and 2001, separately using census data on 0-6 population by sex and residence. The sex ratio of children of a particular area say state/district/subdistrict thus calculated for 1991 census was compared with sex ratio of children computed from 2001 census and the trends, patterns and differentials in the sex ratio between the censuses has been analysed. The trend analysis at state/district level revealed that there has been an increase in the overall sex ratio in the state and its districts during 1991-2001, one finds a decline in the child sex ratio of 11 points for the state as a whole. The trend analysis at taluka level revealed that more than three-fourths (76 per cent) of the talukas experienced decline in the CSR, in about one-fifth of the talukas (21 per cent), the CSR has increased and in the remaining talukas the CSR did not change between 1991-2001. The use of contraceptives by couples especially of terminal methods has a direct bearing on the sex ratio. If couples use contraceptives after having a child of a particular sex than the other sex, may lead to imbalance in the sex ratio. Sex determination of fetus has a direct and serious implication on the Child Sex Ratio. Aborting a female fetus is a practice although it is more prevalent in the northern part of the country. An increasing number of women are opting for sex determination test during pregnancy and seek abortion if it is a female in rural and urban areas of Karnataka as well. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CENSUS | SEX RATIO | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | CHANGES | VALIDITY | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Population Statistics | Research Methodology | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors | Social Change | Sociocultural Factors | Measurement
Document Number: 340186

11.
Title: [Analysis of the epidemiologic patterns of HIV transmission in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province]
Author: Duan S; Guo HY; Pang L; Yuan JH; Jia MH; Xiang LF; Ye RH; Yang YC; Lu JY; Luo W; Sun JP
Source: Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi / Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2008 Dec;42(12):866-9.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To uncover the transmission patterns of the HIV epidemic in Dehong prefecture. METHODS: The reviewed case reports, data of sentinel surveillance, testing and special survey were analyzed by SAS 8.0 program. The transmission patterns were modeled by utilizing data including sizes of the whole population and the high risk groups, high risk behavior data from 1989 to 2007, and the population index such as sex ratio and fertility rate. RESULTS: In 2005, case reports showed the proportion of people infected with HIV through sexual contact was 39.1%, and 46.9% in 2006. Among 1636 cases reported between January 1 to September 20, 2007, the proportion of people infected with HIV through sexual contact was 52%. From 1989 to 2007, the proportion of HIV infection among drug users was declining, while HIV infection through sexual contact was rising after standardizing the population tested/surveyed. The Asian Epidemic Model has shown that the proportions of incident HIV infections through sexual transmissions were 50.6%, 52.3% and 52.7% respectively from 2005 to 2007. Correspondingly, the proportions of incident cases by injecting drug user were 48.9%, 47.2% and 46.7% respectively during this period. Moreover, the Workbook method has shown that, among adults living with HIV in 2007, 50.3% were infected through injecting drugs and 48.4% through unsafe sexual activity. CONCLUSION: The rapid rise in HIV infections through injecting drug in Dehong prefecture has been initially curbed. HIV epidemic has already witnessed a change from predominantly through drug injecting-related activity to an almost equally fuelled epidemic by sexual and drug-related transmission.
Language: Chinese
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | EPIDEMIOLOGY | HIV TRANSMISSION | RISK BEHAVIOR | SEX BEHAVIOR | FERTILITY RATE | SEX RATIO | HIV TESTING | IV DRUG USERS | HIV INFECTIONS | CHANGES | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Public Health | Health | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Behavior | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Drug Use and Abuse | Social Change | Sociocultural Factors
Document Number: 341966

12.

Title: Cross-national variation in attitudinal measures of gender preference for children: An examination of Demographic and HealthSurveys from 40 countries.
Author: Fuse K
Source: Calverton, Maryland, MACRO International, MEASURE DHS, 2008 Jul. 38 p. (DHS Working Papers No. 44USAID Contract No. GPO-C-00-03-00002-00)
Abstract: While much research has examined gender preferences for children by studying behavioral measures such as skewed sex ratios, sex imbalance in infant mortality, and sibling size and order, attitudinal measures have been analyzed less systematically. Using data from 40 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2000 and 2006, this paper advances understanding of gender preferences for children in developing countries by examining attitudinal measures of gender preference cross-nationally. This paper also explores basic socioeconomic determinants of attitudinal gender preference. Findings of this study show that, while the most popular type of preference in the vast majority of countries is balance preference (preference for an equal number of girls and boys), countries and regions vary widely in prevalence of son and daughter preferences. Daughter preference is common in most of Latin America/Caribbean, some of Southeast Asia, and in about one-third of sub-Saharan African countries. Son preference is most common in North Africa, South Asia, some of Southeast Asia, and in about two-thirds of sub-Sahara African countries examined. Of the socioeconomic factors examined, lower educational attainment and lower levels of household wealth generally explain gender preferences for children, particularly in countries where son preference is pronounced.
Language: English
Keywords:
GLOBAL | SUMMARY REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | CHILDREN | SONS | SEX RATIO | SEX DISTRIBUTION | INFANT MORTALITY | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | SEX PREFERENCE | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Factors | Mortality | Economic Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior
Document Number: 331581

13.

Title: Poisson variations of the sex ratio at birth in African demographic surveys.
Author: Garenne M
Source: Human Biology. 2008 Oct;80(5):473-82.
Abstract: Variations of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) were investigated using maternity history data collected in demographic surveys conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Thirty-three countries were covered, totaling about 2.0 million births. The average SRB was 1.034 and varied by ethnicity, birth order, and maternal age. The effect of maternal age was significant for younger mothers (12-19 years old) and older mothers (40-49 years old), with a decline in sex ratios with increasing maternal age in both cases. The effect of birth order was significant only for the 20-39-year-old women, with a decline in sex ratio with increasing birth order. These two effects were similar for the three main population groups identified: populations from southern, eastern, and central Africa (SRB = 1.015), populations from West Africa and Sahelian countries (SRB = 1.040), and populations from Nigeria and Ethiopia (SRB = 1.087). In contrast, no effect of marital duration was found.
Language: English
Keywords:
AFRICA, SUB SAHARAN | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS | STATISTICAL STUDIES | SEX RATIO | MATERNAL AGE | BIRTH HISTORY | BIRTH ORDER | MARRIAGE DURATION | Africa | Developing Countries | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Studies | Research Methodology | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Parental Age | Age Factors | Pregnancy History | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Marriage | Nuptiality
Document Number: 341686

14.

Title: Economic, social and spatial dimensions of India's excess child masculinity.
Author: Guilmoto CZ
Source: Population-E. 2008;63(1):91-118.
Abstract: The Indian subcontinent is a region characterized by a large diversity of populations, languages, cultures and faiths. Based on structure of castes whose practices and attitudes are changing, the Indian population is adopting new demographic behaviours whose diffusion and extent can be analysed spatially. In this article, Christophe Z. Guilmoto proposes a spatialized analysis of the recent aggravation of the gender imbalance in the child population, using data from the 2001 census for the 591 districts in India. This approach takes account of the spatial diffusion of behaviour, identifies more clearly the specific effects of the social and economic factors at work and proposes possible interpretations of the phenomenon. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CROSS SECTIONAL ANALYSIS | AREA ANALYSIS | THEORETICAL MODELS | CHILDREN | SEX RATIO | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX DISCRIMINATION | SOCIAL CHANGE | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS | SOCIAL CLASS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Social Discrimination | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Status
Document Number: 327937

15.

Title: Association of educational level and child sex ratio in rural and urban India.
Author: Inchani LR; Lai D
Source: Social Indicators Research. 2008 Mar;86(1):69-81.
Abstract: Utilizing data from the Census of India, this study compared child sex ratio in rural and urban regions of India and analyzed whether the child sex ratio was associated with mother's education level. The child sex ratios in the rural and urban regions throughout India were analyzed using the two-sample and paired Student's t-test. Further, the Chi-square test for trend in binomial proportions was used to assess the association between child sex ratios and mother's education levels in rural and urban areas. Analysis of the data showed that there was a significant difference between the child sex ratios in rural areas versus urban areas. In addition, the Chi-square test for trend showed that there was a significant association of the child sex ratio and the educational levels of their mothers. This trend occurred in both rural and urban areas. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | STATISTICAL STUDIES | AREA ANALYSIS | RURAL AREAS | URBAN AREAS | CHILDREN | SEX RATIO | MOTHERS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | SEX PREFERENCE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Geographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior
Document Number: 324180

16.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Further support for the hypothesis that parental hormone levels around the time of conception are associated with human sex ratios at birth.
Author: James WH
Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2008;:1-7.
Abstract: During the past year, data have been published on the offspring sex ratios of people diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, hepatitis B, and pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer. It is shown here how these offspring sex ratios constitute further support for the hypothesis that mammalian (including human) parental hormone concentrations around the time of conception partially control the sexes of the resulting infants. If this interpretation were correct, then hormonal treatments might be considered for some or all of these conditions. It is intended that anyone who has read the present note and my two previous papers (James, 1996, 2004) should be aware of all the data relating to the hypothesis. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
GLOBAL | UNITED KINGDOM | RESEARCH REPORT | HORMONES | PARENTS | SEX RATIO | HEPATITIS | BREAST CANCER | PARASITIC DISEASES | TREATMENT | Developed Countries | Europe, Western | Europe | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Cancer | Neoplasms | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health
Document Number: 326913

17.
Peer Reviewed

Title: Sex ratio at birth and racial differences: why do black women give birth to more females than non-black women?
Author: Kaba AJ
Source: African Journal of Reproductive Health. 2008 Dec;12(3):139-50.
Abstract: The two important questions that this paper will attempt to answer are: (1) why is it that regardless of race/ethnicity or geographic location, the sex ratio data at birth show more males than females?; and (2) Why is it that regardless of geographic location compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Black women or Women of sub-Saharan Black African descent tend to give birth to more females? Or to put this question the other way around, compared to Black women, why do non-Black women give birth to more males?
Language: English
Keywords:
GLOBAL | CRITIQUE | BLACKS | ETHNIC GROUPS | SEX RATIO | SEX FACTORS | TOTAL FERTILITY RATE | Cultural Background | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Distribution | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics
Document Number: 341422

18.

Title: Disappearing daughters.
Author: Kelly A
Source: London, United Kingdom, ActionAid, [2008]. 27 p.
Abstract: India's daughters are disappearing. New research by ActionAid and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) shows that the number of girls born and surviving in northern India compared to boys falls far short of normal expectations, and continues to slide. In a country with a long history of discrimination against women, the preference for sons over daughters has led to the number of girls under the age of six hitting an all-time low. The introduction of sex-detection ultrasound technology, coupled with the long-term problem of the neglect of girls, means that millions of women are now 'missing' in India. ActionAid and IDRC's research reveals that, despite policies to address girls' rights and public information campaigns, sex-selective abortion and neglect are on the increase. In four of the five sites surveyed, the proportion of girls to boys has declined even further since 2001. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | TECHNICAL REPORT | SEX PREFERENCE | CHILD, FEMALE | ULTRASONICS | ABORTION | SEX RATIO | FAMILY SIZE | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Fertility | Population Dynamics
Document Number: 327602 Notification

19.

Title: Sex selection, gender-based violence and human rights abuse [letter]
Author: Liljestrand J; Shaw D
Source: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. 2008;87(4):482-483.
Abstract: In the People's Republic of China, over 10% of young women are missing. One major contributory factor to this loss of millions of human lives is sex selective abortion based on early ultrasound. This practice, legal or illegal, is also common in other countries such as parts of India. In this light, it is surprising that Hsiao et al. in Acta number 1, 2008, do not even mention this dilemma in their study of early fetal sex determination by ultrasound. They do refer to the fact that many Taiwanese/Chinese wish to have early information on fetal sex, however, they do not mention the ethical dilemma of disclosing such information, particularly in parts of the world where such information may lead to - and does lead to - the earliest form of gender-based violence and major human rights abuse, directed against the female sex. The Editor's comment does raise this dilemma, however this is insufficient, as many readers will read the original paper only. FIGO's ethical guidelines emphasize that professional societies and their members are accountable for the employment of techniques for sex selection only for medical indications; and that in regional areas with marked sex ratio imbalance, professional societies should work with governments to ensure that sex selection is strictly regulated. It is surprising to us that Acta would permit such a paper to go to print without any discussion in the paper of the ethical and human rights implications of the scientific findings. (full text)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | INDIA | TAIWAN | CRITIQUE | SEX PRESELECTION | ETHICS | HUMAN RIGHTS | SEX DETERMINATION | ULTRASONICS | SEX RATIO | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Developed Countries | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Sociocultural Factors | Political Factors | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population
Document Number: 325877

20.

Title: Economics, cultural transmission, and the dynamics of the sex ratio at birth in China.
Author: Lipatov M; Li S; Feldman MW
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 2008 Dec 9;105(49):19171-6.
Abstract: In rural China, the ratio of newborn boys to newborn girls [sex ratio at birth (SRB)] has been rising for several decades, to values significantly above its biological norm. This trend has a number of alarming societal consequences, and has attracted the attention of scholars and politicians. The root of the problem lies in a 2,500-year-old culture of son preference. This culture is intricately linked with the economic reality of each couple's life, so that there are financial and psychological repercussions to parents who have no sons. To bring greater clarity and understanding to this issue, we present a quantitative framework that describes the interaction between economics and cultural transmission. We start with an explicit mechanism by which economic incentives can change cultural beliefs of a given individual, and go on to include a mechanism of cultural inheritance from generation to generation. We then show how economic conditions can affect the dynamics of cultural change in an entire society, and may lead to a decrease in the country's sex ratio at birth.
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | SONS | SEX RATIO | CULTURE | SEX PREFERENCE | ECONOMICS | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Social Sciences | Science
Document Number: 329780

21.

Title: Gender equality is good for the poor.
Author: Morrison A; Raju D; Sinha N
Source: Poverty in Focus. 2008 Jan;(13):16-17.
Abstract: The relationship between the incidence of poverty and the level of gender equality as measured by various alternative indices suggests that developing countries with higher gender equality tend to have lower poverty rates. The chart presents a scatter plot of poverty headcount ratio (for the $2 per day poverty line) and gender equality, as measured by the female-to-male ratio of sex-specific Human Development Indices for a set of 73 countries circa 1997. The inverse relationship between gender equality and poverty shown in this scatter plot is quite robust to other measures of poverty and other measures of gender equality. Bivariate correlations, of course, cannot establish causality. One could easily argue, for example, that increases in wealth drive increases in gender equality-rather than the other way round-since discrimination may become increasingly costly to firms in developed economies with tighter labour markets. In fact, cross country correlations and even more rigorous regression analysis are unlikely ever to allow us to establish definitive relationships between gender equality and poverty; the simultaneities are too great and we do not have suitable econometric instruments to solve this problem. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES | CRITIQUE | RECOMMENDATIONS | EVALUATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY | GENDER ISSUES | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | INEQUALITIES | SEX RATIO | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Households | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Socioeconomic Factors | Women's Status | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population
Document Number: 323222

22.

Title: Hepatitis B does not explain male-biased sex ratios in China.
Author: Oster E; Chen G; Yu X; Lin W
Source: Cambridge, Massachusetts, National Bureau of Economic Research, 2008 Apr. 12 p. (NBER Working Paper No. 13971)
Abstract: Earlier work (Oster, 2005) has argued, based on existing medical literature and analysis of cross country data and vaccination programs, that parents who are carriers of hepatitis B have a higher offspring sex ratio (more boys) than non-carrier parents. Further, since a number of Asian countries, China in particular, have high hepatitis B carrier rates, Oster (2005) suggested that hepatitis B could explain a large share { approximately 50% - of Asia's "missing women". Subsequent work has questioned this conclusion. Most notably, Lin and Luoh (2008) use data from a large cohort of births in Taiwan and find only a very tiny effect of maternal hepatitis carrier status on offspring sex ratio. Although this work is quite conclusive for the case of mothers, it leaves open the possibility that paternal carrier status is driving higher sex offspring sex ratios. To test this, we collected data on the offspring gender for a cohort of 67,000 people in China who are being observed in a prospective cohort study of liver cancer; approximately 15% of these individuals are hepatitis B carriers. In this sample, we find no effect of either maternal or paternal hepatitis B carrier status on offspring sex. Carrier parents are no more likely to have male children than non-carrier parents. This finding leads us to conclude that hepatitis B cannot explain skewed sex ratios in China. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | PROSPECTIVE STUDIES | COHORT ANALYSIS | PARENTS | HEPATITIS | SEX RATIO | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population
Document Number: 326613

23.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Analysis of socio-political and health practices influencing sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam.
Author: Pham BN; Hall W; Hill PS; Rao C
Source: Reproductive Health Matters. 2008 Nov;16(32):176-84.
Abstract: Viet Nam has experienced rapid social change over the last decade, with a remarkable decline in fertility to just below replacement level. The combination of fertility decline, son preference, antenatal sex determination using ultrasound and sex selective abortion are key factors driving increased sex ratios at birth in favour of boys in some Asian countries. Whether or not this is taking place in Viet Nam as well is the subject of heightened debate. In this paper, we analyse the nature and determinants of sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam, including a small family size norm, recent reinforcement by the Government of the "one-to-two child" family policy, traditional son preference, easy access to antenatal ultrasound screening and legal abortion, and an increase in the proportion of one-child families. In order to prevent an increased sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam, we argue for the relaxation of the one-to-two child family policy and a return to the policy of "small family size" as determined by families, in tandem with a comprehensive approach to promoting the value of women and girls in society, countering traditional gender roles, and raising public awareness of the negative social consequences of a high sex ratio at birth.
Language: English
Keywords:
VIETNAM | RECOMMENDATIONS | SONS | SEX RATIO | SEX PREFERENCE | ANTINATALIST POLICY | FAMILY SIZE | SEX DETERMINATION | ULTRASONICS | SEX PRESELECTION | ABORTION | LEGISLATION | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning
Document Number: 342199 Notification

24.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Decline in sex ratio at birth after Bam (Kerman Province, southern Iran) earthquake.
Author: Saadat M
Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2008 Nov;40(6):935-937.
Abstract: On 26th December 2003, a severe earthquake hit the city of Bam in Kerman province, southern Iran. It destroyed around 90% of houses and at least 60% of the public buildings, and claimed the lives of more than 20,000 persons. To investigate whether acute stress caused by the Bam earthquake could alter the sex ratio at birth (SRB) 6-12 months later, the present study was done. The number of live births by sex was obtained from the National Organization for Civil Registration (Kerman province). The SRB was expressed as the male proportion. A prominent decline in the SRB (approximately0.467) 11 months after the earthquake was observed (x/2 = 6.68, df = 1, p = 0.009). There was no significant difference between Bam and Kerman province (excluding Bam) for SRB (x/2 = 0.44, df = 1, p = 0.51) for a period of 33 month before the earthquake (from April 2001 to December 2003). It might be concluded that psychological tensions and stress are associated with a decrease in SRB. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
IRAN | RESEARCH REPORT | NATURAL DISASTERS | SEX RATIO | PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS | STRESS | Developing Countries | Middle East | Environment | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Behavior
Document Number: 324219

25.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Missing girls in India: Infanticide, feticide and made-to-order pregnancies? Insights from hospital-based sex-ratio-at-birth over the last century.
Author: Sahni M; Verma N; Narula D; Varghese RM; Sreenivas V
Source: PLoS One. 2008 May;3(5):e2224.
Abstract: There are 44 million women in India. Gender bias; neglect of girls, infanticides and feticides are responsible. The sec ratio at birth can be used to examine the influence of antenatal sex selection on the sex ratio. Records from 321,991 deliveries at one hospital over 11 decades were utilized. The middle year in each decade was taken as representative of the decade. Data from 33,524 deliveries were then analyzed. Data for each decade was combined with that of previous decades and compared to the data of subsequent decades to look for any change in the trend. Sex ratio in the second children against sex of the first child was studies separately. The mean sex ratio for the 110 years examined was 910 girls to 1000 boys (95% CI; 891 to 930). The sex ratio dropped significantly from 935 (CI: 905 to 967) before 1979, to 892 (CI: 868 to 918) after 1980 (P = 0.04). The sex ratio in the second child was significantly lower if the first child was a girl [716 (CI: 672 to 762)] (P less than 0.001). On the other hand, there was an excess of girls born to mothers whose first child was boy [1140 girls per 1000 boys (CI: 1072 TO 1212 P less than 0.0001)]. The sex ratio fell significantly after 1980 when ultra sound machines for antenatal sex determination became available. The sex ratio in second children if the first was a girl was even lower. Sex selective abortions after antenatal sex determination are thus implicated. However data on second children especially the excess of girls born to mothers who have a previous boy seen in the decade before the advent of antenatal ultra sound machines, suggests that other means of sex selection are also used. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SEX RATIO | CHILD, FEMALE | INFANTICIDE | SEX DISCRIMINATION | BIRTH RECORDS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Crime | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Social Discrimination | Vital Statistics | Population Statistics | Research Methodology
Document Number: 326883

26.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on India�s gender imbalance.
Author: Singh M
Source: Population and Development Review. 2008 Jun;34(2):387-389.
Abstract: India is one of a number of countries, mostly East and South Asian, that record anomalous male-dominated sex ratios at birth. Under-enumeration of girl children may be partly responsible, but the larger cause is the selective abortion of female fetuses in societies showing strong cultural or economic preferences for sons over daughters. Fetal sex determination became simple with the development of ultrasound technology. The sharp rise in the ratio of boys to girls in the youngest population age groups seen in the Indian censuses of 1981, 1991, and 2001-especially in the northwestern states of Punjab and Haryana-coincides with the spread of this technology, notwithstanding that its use for this purpose has been outlawed since the early 1990s. (Abortion is legal in India but the principle of parental sovereignty in reproductive decisions is overruled in this case in the name of the collective interest.) In a recent speech Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called attention to the gender imbalance and supported a nationwide campaign to end sex discrimination in this "gray area of national concern." The Prime Minister's speech was delivered on 28 April 2008 to the National Conference on "Save the Girl Child," New Delhi, a meeting organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is reprinted below. The Prime Minister describes selective abortion of a female fetus as a reprehensible practice. Its origin is found in the "patriarchal mindset," its prevalence ascribed to "unscrupulous parents" and "unethical conduct on the part of some medical practitioners" offering sex determination services. The remedy, he says, lies in education and empowerment of women. While that may well be the case in the longer run, cross-sectional research findings are less than supportive. The gender imbalance is positively associated with parental education and social status-whether linked to greater affordability of sex determination services or to the enhanced agency of higher-status parents in reproductive decisions. The text of the speech can be found at http://pmindia.nic.in/lspeech.asp?id=677.
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | CRITIQUE | EVALUATION | GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS | POPULATION | POLICYMAKERS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | SEX RATIO | POPULATION POLICY | SEX DETERMINATION | ULTRASONICS | ABORTION | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | SEX DISCRIMINATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Administrative Personnel | Organization and Administration | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sociocultural Factors | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Women's Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Social Discrimination | Social Problems
Document Number: 327378 Notification

27.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Interpregnancy weight gain and the male-to-female sex ratio of the second pregnancy: A population-based cohort study.
Author: Villamor E; Sparen P; Cnattingius S
Source: Fertility and Sterility. 2008 May;89(5):1240-1244.
Abstract: The objectives were to investigate whether interpregnancy maternal weight change (difference between body mass index [BMI] at the first antenatal visit of the second pregnancy and BMI at the first antenatal visit of the first pregnancy) or changes in smoking status between pregnancies is related to the sex ratio of the second pregnancy. The design was a population-based cohort study. The setting was a Swedish Birth Registry. The participant(s) were a total of 220,889 women who had their first two consecutive singleton births between 1992 and 2004. Both live births and stillbirths were included. The intervention(s) were the analyses of data collected prospectively in nationwide registries. The main outcome measure(s) were male-to-female sex ratio of the second pregnancy. The sex ratio of the second pregnancy increased linearly with the amount of maternal weight change from the first to the second pregnancies, from 1.024 in women who lost more than 1 unit BMI to 1.080 in women who gained 3 or more units. This association was independent of obstetric complications, length of the interpregnancy interval, and maternal sociodemographic characteristics at the second pregnancy. Change in maternal smoking status from the first to the second pregnancies was not significantly related to the sex ratio of the second pregnancy. There could be a causal relation between prepregnant maternal weight gain and the sex ratio of the offspring. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES | SWEDEN | RESEARCH REPORT | COHORT ANALYSIS | PREGNANT WOMEN | SEX RATIO | BODY WEIGHT | OBESITY | PARITY SPECIFIC BIRTH RATE | MATERNAL NUTRITION | PREGNANCY OUTCOMES | Europe, Northern | Europe | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Physiology | Biology | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Nutrition | Health | Pregnancy | Reproduction
Document Number: 327228

28.

Title: Discrimination from conception to childhood: a study of girl children in rural Haryana, India.
Author: Agrawal S; Unisa S
Source: In: Watering the neighbour's garden: The growing demographic female deficit in Asia, edited by Isabelle Attane and Christophe Z. Guilmoto. Paris, France, Committee for International Cooperation in National Research in Demography [CICRED], 2007. :247-266. "Chapters in this volume originate from papers presented at an international seminar organized by the authors in Singapore on 5-7 December 2005".
Abstract: The authors investigated both qualitative and less explored factors that can influence child sex ratio. In this study, the made use of the ecological model of gender discrimination developed by Heise (1998). As a first dimension in gender discrimination study, consideration of the individual perpetrator, i.e., the woman who has witnessed or experienced discrimination, marital violence or child abuse in her childhood. The diversity of synergistic effects that impinge on childhood is often ignored by social scientists. Here, the authors argue that their attention to a mother must start not once she has become a mother, neither when she is just about to become a mother, but when she was an infant and a child, as what happened to her during her own childhood may eventually determine the adequacy of her physical and mental state as a mother. Another dimension of gender discrimination examined in this study relates to marital conflicts, wealth control and decision-making in the family. Most of the time, it is found that women's fertility is culturally produced and controlled by marital arrangement. Hence, the importance of married life in demographic analysis cannot be ignored as women spend a major part of their life in marital union and their behaviour is greatly influenced by its characteristics. Studies on marital instability in some developing countries show that the presence of a son in the family consistently decreases the likelihood of marital instability. In this study, the authors posit that the various spheres of women's autonomy may affect their reproductive behaviour and sex preferences. Education, work participation, and exposure to mass media are some of the means by which women gains status and autonomy. It has often been argued that women's status is an indicator of the level of development of a given society. Women's autonomy is likely to have a significant impact on demographic and health seeking behaviour of couples by altering women's relative control over fertility and contraception as well as influencing their attitudes and abilities. In the above perspective, the present study tries to investigate sex-selective discrimination in terms of active and passive elimination of a girl child through life-cycle approach. The specific purpose of the study is to examine female child neglect leading to death (passive elimination) and selective abortion (active elimination) according to childhood experiences, autonomy status and marital instability of the mothers. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | FOLLOW-UP STUDIES | CENSUS METHODS | KAP SURVEYS | CHILD, FEMALE | RURAL POPULATION | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX PRESELECTION | SEX DISCRIMINATION | SEX RATIO | DIFFERENTIAL MORTALITY | ABORTION | LIFE CYCLE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Census | Population Statistics | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Social Discrimination | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Family Research | Family and Household
Document Number: 308903 Notification

29.

Title: Decreases in male and female mortality and missing women in Bangladesh.
Author: Alam N; Van Ginneken J; Bosch A
Source: In: Watering the neighbour's garden: The growing demographic female deficit in Asia, edited by Isabelle Attane and Christophe Z. Guilmoto. Paris, France, Committee for International Cooperation in National Research in Demography [CICRED], 2007. :161-181. "Chapters in this volume originate from papers presented at an international seminar organized by the authors in Singapore on 5-7 December 2005".
Abstract: In Bangladesh, parents have a preference for a balance in sex composition of children; most couples want two sons and one daughter (Chowdhury and Bairagi, 1990). There is a debate over whether the pro-son bias is the result of economic structure or due to sociocultural reasons. The social institutions that shape norms and values prevailing in a number of Asian countries dispose parents and other caretakers to treat boys and girls differently on the ground of their sex, which does not imply deliberate discrimination. Parents do not engage in conscious discrimination between sons and daughters, but sex discrimination is embodied in cultural beliefs (Waldron, 1987). The differential treatment on the ground of sex often leads to poor health and survival of girls. For this reason the 1994 Cairo International Conference of Population and Development placed special emphasis on the need to improve the health, welfare and survival of girls. The objectives of this study are to examine whether discrimination against girls persists in Bangladesh or has shifted over time and to identify the behavioural mechanisms involved in these changes. This study will focus on male/female differentials in mortality of infants and children aged 1-4 years and male/female differences in nutritional status of children aged 1-4 years old. Sex differentials in use of child health services are also considered as well as changes in patterns of enrolment in education for girls versus boys. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
BANGLADESH | RESEARCH REPORT | NUTRITION SURVEYS | HEALTH SURVEYS | DEMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS | INFANT | CHILD, FEMALE | SEX RATIO | SEX DISCRIMINATION | EXCESS MORTALITY | DIFFERENTIAL MORTALITY | CHILD SURVIVAL | CHILD MORTALITY | CHILD NUTRITION | CHILD HEALTH | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Nutrition | Health | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Child | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Social Discrimination | Social Problems | Sociocultural Factors | Mortality | Survivorship | Length of Life
Document Number: 308899

30.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Secondary sex ratio in Greece: Evidence of an influence by father's occupational exposure.
Author: Alexopoulos EC; Alamanos Y
Source: Human Reproduction. 2007;22(11):2999-3001.
Abstract: Several medical, occupational and environmental paternal exposures have been suggested to be associated with low offspring sex ratios. The purpose of this study was to analyse trends and variations in the secondary sex ratio in Greece during the last 50 years and among different occupational groups of male employees of a shipyard. Data were retrieved from National Statistics Agency databases through the period 1955-2005, and linear regression was administered to examine the evolution of the sex ratio of newborns. In addition, 587 male shipyard employees with 1012 children were included in the study. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to study the influence of father's job title on offspring sex ratio. Total births in Greece declined by ~30% between the mid 1950s and 1980, while little change in sex ratio occurred. In contrast, while between 1980 and 2000, the birth rate continued to decline at the same rate (by ~30%), there appeared to be a trend toward a decrease in sex ratio. The groups of sandblasters/painters and of ship carpenters showed a significantly lower proportion of boys among newborn children. Data from men working in a Greek shipyard suggest that the trend toward a decrease in secondary sex ratio observed in this country may be accounted for by a decrease in male births associated with specific workplace exposures of the father. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
GREECE | RESEARCH REPORT | FATHERS | INFANT | CHILD, MALE | WORKPLACE | INGREDIENTS AND CHEMICALS | EXPOSURE | IMPACT | SEX RATIO | FERTILITY DECLINE | Europe, Southern | Europe | Developed Countries | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Child | Employment | Macroeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Risk Factors | Biology | Communication | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Fertility Changes | Fertility | Population Dynamics
Document Number: 321405


	Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project 111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy