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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

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: The relationship of family size and composition to fertility desires, contraceptive adoption and method choice in South Asia.
Author: Jayaraman A; Mishra V; Arnold F
Source: International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2009 Mar;35(1):29-38.
Abstract: CONTEXT: Many countries in South Asia, including Nepal, India and Bangladesh, demonstrate a strong cultural preference for sons, which may influence fertility desires and contraceptive use. METHODS: Demographic and Health Survey data from married, nonpregnant women aged 15-49 who had at least one child were used to examine the relationship of parity and number of sons to reproductive outcomes in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Outcomes of interest were desire for another child, contraceptive use and type of contraceptive (modern vs. traditional, temporary vs. permanent). Odds ratios and relative risk ratios were calculated using binary and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: In general, desire for another child decreased and contraceptive use increased as the number of children and number of sons increased. These associations were more prominent in Nepal and India than in Bangladesh. For example, compared with women who had three daughters and no sons, the odds of contraceptive use among women with two sons and one daughter were 4.8 in Nepal, 3.5 in India and 2.0 in Bangladesh. Within India, the associations of parity and number of sons with reproductive outcomes were generally stronger in northern states than in South India or West Bengal. CONCLUSIONS: Son preference remains widespread in all three countries and has a major influence on reproductive behavior. Reducing such preference would require a change in social norms and attitudes of the people and an improvement of the status of women. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
ASIA, SOUTHERN | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | SONS | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | Asia | Developing Countries | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Size | Fertility | Contraception | Family Planning
Document Number: 315243

Title: The relationship of family size and composition to fertility desires, contraceptive adoption and method choice in South Asia.
Author: Jayaraman A; Mishra V; Arnold F
Source: International Perspectives On Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2009 Mar;35(1):29-38.
Abstract: CONTEXT: Many countries in South Asia, including Nepal, India and Bangladesh, demonstrate a strong cultural preference for sons, which may influence fertility desires and contraceptive use. METHODS: Demographic and Health Survey data from married, nonpregnant women aged 15-49 who had at least one child were used to examine the relationship of parity and number of sons to reproductive outcomes in Nepal, India and Bangladesh. Outcomes of interest were desire for another child, contraceptive use and type of contraceptive (modern vs. traditional, temporary vs. permanent). Odds ratios and relative risk ratios were calculated using binary and multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: In general, desire for another child decreased and contraceptive use increased as the number of children and number of sons increased. These associations were more prominent in Nepal and India than in Bangladesh. For example, compared with women who had three daughters and no sons, the odds of contraceptive use among women with two sons and one daughter were 4.8 in Nepal, 3.5 in India and 2.0 in Bangladesh. Within India, the associations of parity and number of sons with reproductive outcomes were generally stronger in northern states than in South India or West Bengal. CONCLUSIONS: Son preference remains widespread in all three countries and has a major influence on reproductive behavior. Reducing such preference would require a change in social norms and attitudes of the people and an improvement of the status of women.
Language: English
Keywords:
ASIA | NEPAL | BANGLADESH | INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | FAMILY SIZE | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning
Document Number: 341316

Peer Reviewed

Title: Does sex of children matter? Implications for fertility in Pakistan.
Author: Muhammad A
Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2009 Jan;41(1):39-50.
Abstract: Preference for children of either sex is considered a constraint on fertility decline as it induces many couples to keep adding on surviving children in the hope of having a desired sex composition of children. However, preferences for children of a particular sex may differ in relation to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of women, traditional values and cultural practices, such as propagating a family name, providing economic advantages, and obtaining a medium of social and economic security in times of illness, unemployment and old age. Utilizing the Pakistan Integrated Household Survey (2001-02), this paper aims at investigating the existence of sex preference and examines sex preference differentials by different attributes of women in Pakistan. The results reveal that there is a desire to have another child in the presence of all children of one sex, either sons or daughters. The desire to have a son with only or mostly daughters, however, is stronger than the desire to have a daughter with only or mostly sons. This behaviour will retard fertility decline unless there is a shift in the desire to have children of both sexes in Pakistan.
Language: English
Keywords:
PAKISTAN | RESEARCH REPORT | SURVEYS | SONS | DAUGHTERS | SEX PREFERENCE | REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR | FERTILITY DECLINE | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Fertility Changes
Document Number: 330511

Title: Determinants of induced abortion and its consequences on women's reproductive health: Findings from India's National Family Health Surveys.
Author: Agrawal S
Source: Calverton, Maryland, Macro International, MEASURE DHS, 2008 Aug. [66] p. (DHS Working Papers No. 53USAID Contract No. GPO-C-00-03-00002-00)
Abstract: At the national level, sex composition of living children, women's autonomy, urban residence, couple's education, and wealth status were found to be significantly associated with experience of induced abortion among women. However, the factors associated with induced abortion are found to be different in two distinct sociocultural set-ups in India. Although sex composition of living children and couple's education were the major factors for induced abortion in the northern group of states, wealth status and caste / tribe status were the major factors for the southern group of states. The analysis also shows that, independent of other factors, the likelihood of experiencing any reproductive health problems was 1.5 times higher (odds ratio, 1.46; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.33-1.60; P < .001) among women who had one induced abortion and 1.9 times higher (odds ratio, 1.85; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.52- 2.27; P < .001) among women who had two or more induced abortions compared with women with no history of induced abortion. This study identifies women's desire to limit family size with preferred sex composition of children as an important determinant of induced abortion in India. The study also suggests that induced abortions may have negative consequences for women's reproductive health. There is a need for more in-depth qualitative studies at the regional level to better understand the determinants and consequences of this complex and sensitive issue in India. Programs should focus more on the availability and accessibility of contraceptives among women to elude the reproductive health consequences of induced abortion. (Excerpts)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | SUMMARY REPORT | SURVEYS | DATA ANALYSIS | WOMEN | SONS | EVER MARRIED | ABORTION | REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH | AGE FACTORS | RELIGION | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | EMPLOYMENT STATUS | INCOME | SEX PREFERENCE | Asia, Southern | Asia | Developing Countries | Sampling Studies | Studies | Research Methodology | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning | Health | Population Characteristics | Socioeconomic Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior
Document Number: 331448

Peer Reviewed

Title: Fertility-limiting behavior and contraceptive choice among men in Nepal.
Author: Dahal GP; Padmadas SS; Hinde PR
Source: International Family Planning Perspectives. 2008 Mar;34(1):6-14.
Abstract: Contraceptive choices among men who want no more children have been little explored in South Asia, particularly in Nepal, where fertility rates have remained high over the last few decades. Using the 2001 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey couple data set, multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted for 1,041 married men aged 20 or older who had at least one living child and wanted no more children. Regression models examined relationships between selected characteristics and men's reported contraceptive use, and predicted probabilities were estimated to assess interactions between ecological zone, family composition and method choice. The primary goal was to determine whether the number and sex of living children influenced contraceptive use. Twenty-four percent of men who wanted no more children were not using any contraceptive method at the time of the survey, 30% reported that their wives were sterilized, 12% had had a vasectomy, 7% were using condoms and 27% used other temporary methods. The probability of relying on permanent methods was highest among men who had at least two living sons and lowest among those who had only daughters, while the probability of using no method was highest among those who had only daughters. In Nepal, men who report a desire to have no more children are likely to choose permanent methods only after they have two living sons. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
NEPAL | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | MEN | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | SONS | MEN'S INVOLVEMENT | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Contraception | Family Planning | Fertility | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Family Relationships | Programs | Organization and Administration
Document Number: 326103

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

10.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Maintaining access to safe abortion and reducing sex ratio imbalances in Asia.
Author: Ganatra B
Source: Reproductive Health Matters. 2008 May;16(31 Suppl):90-8.
Abstract: High sex ratios at birth (108 boys to 100 girls or higher) are seen in China, Taiwan, South Korea and parts of India and Viet Nam. The imbalance is the result of son preference, accentuated by declining fertility. Prenatal sex detection with ultrasound followed by second trimester abortion is one of the ways sex selection manifests itself, but it is not the causative factor. Advocates and governments seeking to reverse this imbalance have largely prohibited sex detection tests and/or sex selective abortion, assuming these measures would reverse the trend. Such policies have been difficult to enforce and have met with only limited success. At the same time, such policies are starting to have adverse effects on the already limited access to safe and legal second trimester abortion for reasons other than sex selection. Moreover, the sex selection issue is being used as a platform for anti-abortion rhetoric by certain groups. Maintaining access to safe abortion and achieving a decline in high sex ratios are both important goals. Both are possible if the focus shifts to addressing the conditions that drive son preference.
Language: English
Keywords:
ASIA | RESEARCH REPORT | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | PREGNANCY, SECOND TRIMESTER | SEX DETERMINATION | SEX PRESELECTION | Developing Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Pregnancy | Reproduction | Genetic Techniques | Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses | Examinations and Diagnoses | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies
Document Number: 330098

11.

Title: The effect of family size and composition on fertility desires, contraceptive adoption, and method choice in South Asia.
Author: Jayaraman A; Mishra V; Arnold F
Source: Calverton, Maryland, Macro International, MEASURE DHS, 2008 Mar. 26 p. (DHS Working Papers No. 40USAID Contract No. GPO-C-00-03-00002-00)
Abstract: We examine the influence of family size and composition on reproductive behavior in three South Asian countries - Nepal, India, and Bangladesh - that are known for strong son preference. Using data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys, we analyze whether the choice of contraceptive method adopted (modern versus traditional; temporary versus permanent) and desire for another child differ by parity and sex composition of surviving children. In addition, for India we pool data for four northern states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh) and four southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) in order to capture the north-south variation within the country. We also compare West Bengal and Bangladesh to understand how son preference in these culturally similar regions affects fertility desires and contraceptive adoption. The effects of parity and sex composition on fertility desire and contraceptive use are estimated using binary and multinomial logistic regression after controlling for key socioeconomic factors, including education, work status, media exposure, household wealth status, woman's participation in household decision-making, and urban/rural residence. We find that, independent of socioeconomic factors, women with more sons have a lower desire to have another child and are more likely to use contraception than those with more daughters. These effects are more prominent in Nepal and India than in Bangladesh. Within India, the effects are stronger in north India than in south India or West Bengal. However, considerable proportions of women also express a desire for at least one daughter, especially in Bangladesh after having a son. There is a clear shift towards permanent methods of contraception with an increase in the number of sons, but we find no systematic pattern in the use of traditional methods by parity or sex composition of children. We conclude that son preference remains widespread in all three countries, and it has a major influence on reproductive behavior. The preference for boys is embedded in the cultural and traditional beliefs of these countries. Reducing such preference would require a change in social norms and attitudes of the people and an improvement of the status of women within the household. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
NEPAL | INDIA | BANGLADESH | DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEYS | FAMILY SIZE, DESIRED | FAMILY AND HOUSEHOLD | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | CONTRACEPTIVE USAGE DETERMINANTS | CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS CHOSEN | SEX PREFERENCE | SONS | SEX DISCRIMINATION | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Demographic Surveys | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Size | Family Characteristics | Sociocultural Factors | Fertility | Contraceptive Usage | Contraception | Family Planning | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Family Relationships | Social Discrimination | Social Problems
Document Number: 326390

12.

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

13.

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

14.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Does son preference influence children's growth in height? A comparative study of Chinese and Filipino children.
Author: Song S; Burgard SA
Source: Population Studies. 2008 Nov;62(3):305-20.
Abstract: Research has demonstrated that son preference has a serious impact on the survival and well-being of female infants and children in some parts of South and East Asia, but little is known about the consequences of son preference in later childhood and adolescence. We compare children's growth trajectories in height over childhood and adolescence in China, where the level of son preference is relatively high, and the Philippines, where it is relatively low. Children's height reflects long-term nutritional status and exposure to infectious diseases, both influenced by household decision-making and, presumably, by a preference for sons. Using data from two high-quality longitudinal studies and multilevel growth models, we find that male children in China show an additional height advantage relative to their female counterparts, when compared to the sex difference in growth trajectories in the Philippines. Further analysis reveals that the additional advantage of males in China is stronger in rural areas.
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | PHILIPPINES | RESEARCH REPORT | COMPARATIVE STUDIES | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | INEQUALITIES | BODY HEIGHT | CHILD DEVELOPMENT | CHILD NUTRITION | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Studies | Research Methodology | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Physiology | Biology | Nutrition | Health
Document Number: 330034

15.

Title: Sex selection through traditional drugs in rural north India.
Author: Bandyopadhyay S; Singh AJ
Source: Indian Journal of Community Medicine. 2007 Jan-Mar;32(1):[7] p.
Abstract: Repidly declining sex ratio has highlighted a strong son preference among many societies various methods are employed by people to get a son. The objective was to determine the use pattern of sex selection drugs (SSDs) in rural North India. An integrated qualitative and quantitative study was conducted in rural North India. A rapid population and hospital based survey of women in their early reproductive life was done in the study area to enlist the respondents. Few SSD samples were collected and analyzed. SSDs were freely available from grocers, chemist shops and specific people in villages. These contained Shivalingi (Bryonia Laciniosa) and Majuphal (Gtuercus infectoria). SSD use rate was 46% and 30% in community based and hospital based studies respectively. Use rate was significantly higher in women who did not have any son. Of the SSD samples and two individual ingredients analyzed by thin layer chromatography, 3 contained testosterone and one progesterone; one ingredient contained testosterone and the other natural steroids. Use of SSDs seems to be very common in North India. Implication of presence of steroids in SSDs needs further evaluation. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | RURAL POPULATION | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | SEX RATIO | DRUGS | SEX PRESELECTION | INFANTICIDE | ANABOLIC STEROIDS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Research Methodology | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Treatment | Medical Procedures | Medicine | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Reproductive Technologies | Reproduction | Crime | Social Problems | Androgens | Hormones | Endocrine System | Physiology | Biology
Document Number: 315290

16.

Title: Effects of son preference on contraception, abortion, and fertility in Central Asia: the case of Uzbekistan.
Author: Barrett J
Source: [Unpublished] 2007. Presented at the Population Association of America 2007 Annual Meeting, New York, New York, March 29-31, 2007. 35 p.
Abstract: Research on sex preference for children has largely focused on Southern and Eastern Asian countries and overlooked the region of formerly Soviet Central Asia. Using the 2002 Uzbekistan Health Examination Survey and qualitative data collected in 2005 and 2006, I explore the preference for male births as it affects contraception, abortion, and fertility in a country well into its fertility transition. Findings indicate that, while son preference has a small influence on current contraceptive prevalence, the overall sex ratio at birth may mask substantial parity-specific differences. For births at certain orders, the calculated sex ratio does not fall in the normal range and may indicate the presence of an artificial intervention. Further, results of proportional hazards models indicate a substantial effect of son preference on fertility. I use focus group and individual and expert interview data to explain this phenomenon in economic and cultural terms. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
UZBEKISTAN | SUMMARY REPORT | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | CONTRACEPTIVE PREVALENCE | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | CONTRACEPTION | ABORTION | SEX RATIO | FERTILITY | Asia, Central | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Contraceptive Usage | Family Planning | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Fertility Control, Postconception | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Population Dynamics
Document Number: 317734 Notification

17.

Title: Missing girls, land and population controls in rural China.
Author: Bossen L
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. :207-228. "Chapters in this volume originate from papers presented at an international seminar organized by the authors in Singapore on 5-7 December 2005".
Abstract: Despite the growing media and scholarly attention that missing women in Asia have received, there is remarkable uniformity in the explanations and remarkably little challenge to received wisdom. For China, three basic explanations for gender discrimination reoccur in scholarly and popular discourse. These are that sons are necessary for heavy labour on the farm, to support their parents in old age, and to carry on the family line. All are problematic. I argue that more than labour or the family "line" is at stake. The system of family property and the political institutions for holding and transmitting land and property rights need to be more carefully examined. My aim is to consider the links between property rights and population control to see how these two policies work together to produce the enormous deficit of daughters. Who exercises de facto control over land and property? Despite government efforts to legislate gender equality, patrilineal institutions retain considerable power in many rural areas. Their workings within village power structures need to be made more visible. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | CHILD, FEMALE | SONS | RURAL POPULATION | SEX DISCRIMINATION | LAND TENURE | PATRIARCHY | MARRIAGE PATTERNS | SEX PREFERENCE | CULTURE | INHERITANCE | FAMILY PLANNING POLICY | SEX RATIO | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Social Discrimination | Social Problems | Socioeconomic Factors | Economic Factors | Marriage | Nuptiality | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Ownership | Family Planning | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors
Document Number: 308901

18.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Son preference, use of maternal health care, and infant mortality in rural China, 1989 -- 2000.
Author: Chen J; Xie Z; Liu H
Source: Population Studies. 2007 Jul;61(2):161-183.
Abstract: This study assesses the effects of socio-economic conditions and the interaction between son preference and China's one-child family planning policy on the use of maternal health care services and their effects on infant mortality in rural China, using nationally representative data from the 2001 National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Survey. The results show that while the use of maternal health care services has continued to increase over time, large gaps still exist in the use of these services and in infant survival by mother's education, community income, and parity. Further improvements in the reproductive health of all women and in infant survival will require effective reduction of the obstacles to the use of maternal health care among those women in rural China who are less educated, poor, and of higher parity. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | FAMILY PLANNING SURVEYS | WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT | PREGNANT WOMEN | INFANT | RURAL POPULATION | SONS | MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES | UTILIZATION OF HEALTH CARE | INFANT MORTALITY | SEX PREFERENCE | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | ONE CHILD POLICY | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Family Planning | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Youth | Age Factors | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Maternal-Child Health Services | Primary Health Care | Health Services | Delivery of Health Care | Health | Mortality | Population Dynamics | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Antinatalist Policy | Population Policy | Social Policy | Policy | Political Factors
Document Number: 317439

19.

Peer Reviewed

Title: The decline of son preference in South Korea: The roles of development and public policy.
Author: Chung W; Das Gupta M
Source: Population and Development Review. 2007 Dec;33(4):757-783.
Abstract: Since the mid-1990s, sex ratios at birth in South Korea have steadily declined, setting a precedent in Asia. What light does the South Korean experience shed on the relationship between development and son preference? Further, what are the implications of the South Korean experience for trends in other countries such as China and India, and what policies might help reduce son preference there? Will those countries have to wait until they are as highly developed as South Korea before child sex ratios begin to normalize? (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SONS | SEX RATIO | SEX PREFERENCE | SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT | PATRIARCHY | INDUSTRIALIZATION | INTERMEDIATE VARIABLES | EDUCATION | EMPLOYMENT | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Economic Factors | Economic Development | Population Dynamics | Macroeconomic Factors
Document Number: 323069

20.

Peer Reviewed

Title: The relation of son preference and religion to induced abortion: The case of South Korea.
Author: Chung W
Source: Journal of Biosocial Science. 2007 Sep;39(5):707-719.
Abstract: This paper explores the factors that influence the practice of induced abortion in a very low fertility society, with particular emphasis on son preference and three distinct religions: Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity. Using multivariate logistic regression models fitted by the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method, this paper analysed the data collected by the 2000 Korea National Fertility and Family Health Survey of 6348 married women aged 15-49 years with a total of 1217 pregnancy outcomes. The results showed that the likelihood of induced abortions in women with two or more children, compared with those with one child, was significantly influenced by the sex composition of the previous children: odds ratio (OR)=12.71 (95% CI=5.49, 29.42) for women with only son(s), and OR=3.91 (95% CI=1.67, 9.14) for women with only daughter(s). At parity two, women with two sons were much more likely to have induced abortions than women with two daughters (OR=5.88, 95% CI=2.70, 12.85). AlthoughBuddhist women were not significantly different from Confucian women in induced abortion practice, Christian women were much less likely than Confucian women to have an induced abortion (OR=0.39, 95% CI=0.18, 0.88 for women with only sons and OR=0.44, 95% CI=0.24, 0.81 for women with two children). This suggests that even in this very low fertility society, son preference and religious affiliation are significant predictors of women's practice of induced abortion. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | HEALTH SURVEYS | EVER MARRIED | WOMEN | SONS | PREGNANCY | SEX RATIO | ABORTION | SEX FACTORS | RELIGION | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developed Countries | Health | Marital Status | Nuptiality | Demographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Reproduction | Sex Distribution | Population Characteristics | Fertility Control, Postconception | Family Planning
Document Number: 318916 Notification

21.

Title: Why is son preference declining in South Korea?: The role of development and public policy, and the implications for China and India.
Author: Chung W; Das Gupta M
Source: [Unpublished] 2007. Presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Population Association of America, New York, New York, March 29-31, 2007. 28 p.
Abstract: For years, South Korea presented the puzzling phenomenon of steeply rising sex ratios at birth despite rapid development, including in women's education and formal employment. We show that in fact there was no puzzle: underlying son preference fell in response to development, but its manifestation in sex ratios at birth rose until the mid-1990s due to improved sex-selection technology. Now South Korea leads Asia in reversing the trend in sex ratios at birth. We explore what this country's experience indicates about how son preference is affected by development and public policies. We analyze unusually rich survey data, and find that the impact of development worked largely through triggering normative changes across the whole society - rather than just through changes wrought in individuals as their socio-economic circumstances changed. We estimate that nearly three-quarters of the decline in son preference between 1991 and 2003 is attributable to normative change, and the rest to increases in proportions urban and educated. We discuss the cultural underpinnings of son preference in pre-industrial Korea, and how these were unraveled by industrialization and urbanization on the one hand, while being buttressed by public policies upholding the patriarchal family system. Finally, we hypothesize that child sex ratios in China and India will decline well before they reach South Korean levels of development, since they have vigorous programs to accelerate normative change to reduce son preference. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
REPUBLIC OF KOREA | CHINA | INDIA | CRITIQUE | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | CULTURAL BACKGROUND | DEVELOPMENT POLICY | SEX RATIO | SOCIAL CHANGE | INDUSTRIALIZATION | URBANIZATION | REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | Developed Countries | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Policy | Political Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Economic Development | Economic Factors | Urban Population Distribution | Population Distribution | Geographic Factors | Reproduction
Document Number: 318543

22.

Title: Why is son preference declining in South Korea? The role of development and public policy, and the implications for China and India.
Author: Chung W; Das Gupta M
Source: Washington, D.C., World Bank, Development Research Group, Human Development and Public Services Team, 2007 Oct. 30 p. (Policy Research Working Paper No. 4373)
Abstract: For years, South Korea presented the puzzling phenomenon of steeply rising sex ratios at birth despite rapid development, including in women's education and formal employment. This paper shows that son preference decreased in response to development, but its manifestation continued until the mid-1990s due to improved sex-selection technology. The paper analyzes unusually rich survey data, and finds that the impact of development worked largely through triggering normative changes across the whole society - rather than just through changes in individuals as their socioeconomic circumstances changed. The findings show that nearly three-quarters of the decline in son preference between 1991 and 2003 is attributable to normative change, and the rest to increases in the proportions of urban and educated people. South Korea is now the first Asian country to reverse the trend in rising sex ratios at birth. The paper discusses the cultural underpinnings of son preference in pre-industrial Korea, and how these were unraveled by industrialization and urbanization, while being buttressed by public policies upholding the patriarchal family system. Finally, the authors hypothesize that child sex ratios in China and India will decline well before they reach South Korean levels of development, since they have vigorous programs to accelerate normative change to reduce son preference. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | INDIA | REPUBLIC OF KOREA | RESEARCH REPORT | SONS | SEX RATIO | SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT | WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT | EDUCATION | SEX PRESELECTION | REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | INDUSTRIALIZATION | PATRIARCHY | DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION | SOCIAL CHANGE | PREVENTION AND CONTROL | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Developed Countries | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Economic Factors | Women's Status | Socioeconomic Factors | Reproduction | Economic Development | Population Dynamics | Diseases
Document Number: 322886

23.

Title: The path to replacement fertility in Egypt: acceptance, preference, and achievement.
Author: El-Zeini LO
Source: [Unpublished] 2007. Presented at the Population Association of America, 2007 Annual Meeting, New York, New York, March 29-31, 2007. 28 p.
Abstract: This paper uses data from the 2004 Stalled Fertility Transition survey; a follow-up to the 2003 Egypt Interim DHS, to investigate obstacles to achieving replacement fertility. The analysis adopts a framework with the acronym APA: Acceptance of a two-child ideal, Preference for that ideal, and Achievement of preference, positing a hierarchy among the three and hypothesizing that each depends on a set of factors, including gender stratification, economic expectations, perception of children's costs and benefits, and the costs of fertility regulation. The results indicate that son preference, discriminative gender attitudes, and perceived low cost of childrearing compared to benefit of children are major obstacles to the acceptance of the two-child family. Given acceptance, son preference, optimistic economic expectations, and fear of contraceptive side effects are associated with low preference for two children and with ambivalence. Given a decisive preference, women from better socioeconomic strata, women who perceive themselves to be in control of their reproduction and women with weaker son preference are more likely to achieve the ideal of two children. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
EGYPT | RESEARCH REPORT | FERTILITY SURVEYS | WOMEN | POPULATION REPLACEMENT | FERTILITY PREFERENCES | SEX PREFERENCE | SONS | GENDER ISSUES | CHILD WORTH | CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, SIDE EFFECTS | MICROECONOMIC FACTORS | Developing Countries | Africa, Northern | Africa | Fertility Measurements | Fertility | Population Dynamics | Demographic Factors | Population | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Economic Factors | Contraceptive Agents | Contraception | Family Planning
Document Number: 317263

24.

Title: Research brief: Sexual communication and knowledge among Mexican parents and their adolescent children.
Author: Gallegos EC; Villarruel AM; Gomez MV; Onofre DJ; Zhou Y
Source: Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. 2007 Mar-Apr;18(2):28-34.
Abstract: This study describes the sexual knowledge and communication of Mexican parents and adolescents. Preintervention data were analyzed from 829 high school students (ages 14-17) and one of the parents of each. Differences were found between parents and adolescents in sexual knowledge (M = 16.16 vs. M = 14.92; t = 7.20, p < .001); specifically, parents had higher knowledge related to sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and condom use. Parents perceived more general communication (t [787] = 6.33, p < .001), and less discomfort talking about sex (t [785] = 4.69, p < .001) than adolescents. Parents with higher education levels scored higher in HIV knowledge and general communication. Fathers had higher total sexual knowledge, whereas mothers perceived higher sexual communication than fathers. There were no differences in knowledge and communication by parental socioeconomic level. Results suggest health care providers need to assist parents in developing specific knowledge and skills to support theiradolescents' sexual decision-making. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
MEXICO | RESEARCH REPORT | DATA ANALYSIS | PARENTS | ADOLESCENTS | SONS | DAUGHTERS | KNOWLEDGE | SEX EDUCATION | COMMUNICATION | CONDOM USE | SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | HIV INFECTIONS | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | Research Methodology | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Education | Risk Reduction Behavior | Behavior | Reproductive Tract Infections | Infections | Diseases | Viral Diseases
Document Number: 313360

25.

Title: Son preference, female deficit and Singapore's fertility transition.
Author: Graham E
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. :89-106. "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 this chapter, the author examines recent demographic trends in Singapore within three time periods defined by the trend in total fertility rates: (1) the fertility transition, a period of rapid fertility decline between 1965 and 1986; (2) the temporary fertility revival, a short-lived increase in fertility from 1986 to 1993; and (3) the resumption of fertility decline from 1993 to the end of the study period in 2004. The primary research question is whether the secular fertility decline in post-independence Singapore was accompanied by the intensification of active discrimination against daughters, leading to the significant female demographic deficit seen in other countries in Asia. The analysis focuses on the detail of trends in the sex ratio at birth, or secondary sex ratio, and their interpretation. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
SINGAPORE | RESEARCH REPORT | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | KAP SURVEYS | CROSS-CULTURAL COMPARISONS | SONS | CHILD, FEMALE | SEX PREFERENCE | DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION | SEX RATIO | SEX DISCRIMINATION | ANTHROPOLOGY, CULTURAL | TOTAL FERTILITY RATE | Developed Countries | Asia, Southeastern | Asia | Research Methodology | Surveys | Sampling Studies | Studies | Comparative Studies | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Child | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Population Dynamics | Sex Distribution | Sex Factors | Social Discrimination | Social Problems | Anthropology | Social Sciences | Science | Fertility Rate | Birth Rate | Fertility Measurements | Fertility
Document Number: 308896

26.

27.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Program for fathers helps them talk to young sons about sex and HIV risk.
Author: Hollander D
Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2007 Dec;39(4):248-249.
Abstract: Fathers in the Atlanta area who participated in a program designed to improve men's ability to talk to their 11-14-year-old sons about HIV prevention subsequently reported more sexuality-related discussion and greater intention to discuss relevant topics with their sons than did a control group of men who had not taken part in the program. Furthermore, their sons were more likely than sons in the control group to say that they intended to postpone intercourse until they married and, if they were sexually experienced, were less likely to report having had unprotected intercourse. The program was tested in four randomly selected sites of a community-based organization that operates after-school and summer programs for disadvantaged youngsters; another three sites served as controls. At intervention sites, fathers (including nonbiological father figures) of 11-14-year-old males were invited to attend a program that presented information on communicating with adolescents about general topics (e.g., relationships with peers), sexuality-related topics and specific topics related to HIV and AIDS. Seven weekly two-hour group sessions were scheduled, during which information was delivered through lectures, discussions, role-playing exercises, games and videotapes. In addition, participants received a manual that was designed to help them complete weekly take-home activities and set personal goals. At control sites, fathers were invited to participate in seven weekly two-hour group sessions on nutrition and exercise; the format of these sessions was similar to that of the HIV program. At both the intervention and the control sites, youth were invited to accompany their fathers to the last session. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | GEORGIA | RESEARCH REPORT | CASE CONTROL STUDIES | FATHERS | SONS | ADOLESCENTS | HIV PREVENTION | SEX EDUCATION | INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION | Developed Countries | North America | Americas | Developing Countries | Asia, Southwestern | Asia | Studies | Research Methodology | Parents | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Youth | Age Factors | Population Characteristics | Demographic Factors | Population | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Education | Communication
Document Number: 323077

28.

Title: Son preference and the marriage squeeze in China: an integrated analysis of first marriage and the remarriage market.
Author: Jiang Q; Attane I; Li S; Feldman MW
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. :347-363. "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 this chapter, the authors adjust the index used by Tuljapurkar et al. (1995) to include the effect of remarriage on marriage squeeze, and analyze China's potential marriage squeeze from 2001 to 2050. The chapter is divided into three sections. First, they introduce, evaluate and adjust the index used by Tuljapurkar et al. (1995), develop new ones to take remarriage into account, and introduce the data to be used. Second, they measure China's marriage squeeze with these adjusted and newly developed indices, and investigate the impact of son preference and remarriage on China's first marriage market. The chapter concludes with a discussion of likely social consequences brought about by the male marriage squeeze. (excerpt)
Language: English
Keywords:
CHINA | RESEARCH REPORT | EVALUATION INDEXES | DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS | ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES | MATHEMATICAL MODEL | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | REMARRIAGE | MARRIAGE PATTERNS | SEX RATIO | MARRIAGE AGE | SEX FACTORS | POPULATION PROJECTION | Asia, Eastern | Asia | Developing Countries | Quantitative Evaluation | Evaluation | Research Methodology | Theoretical Models | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Marriage | Nuptiality | Demographic Factors | Population | Sex Distribution | Population Characteristics
Document Number: 308907

29.

Peer Reviewed

Title: Explaining son preference in rural India: The independent role of structural versus individual factors.
Author: Pande RP; Astone NM
Source: Population Research and Policy Review. 2007 Feb;26(1):1-29.
Abstract: Much research has been done on demographic manifestations of son preference, particularly girls' excess mortality; however, there is less research that focuses on son preference itself. This paper analyzes the determinants of son preference in rural India. We separate the independent, relative effects of characteristics of individual women and their households, village opportunities for women and village development, and social norms. We look at both socioeconomic and sociocultural variables. Finally, we examine whether predictors of son preference differ by desired family size. Our data come from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) India, 1992-1993. We use an ordered logit model, with dummy variables for state of residence. Our analysis shows that women's education, particularly at secondary and higher levels, is consistently and significantly associated with weaker son preference, regardless of desired family size. Once factors measuring social norms, such as marriage customs, caste and religion, are included, economic wealth and women's employment at household or village levels are not significant. Media access remains significant, suggesting an influence of "modernizing" ideas. Among social factors, caste and religion are associated with son preference but, once state of residence is controlled for, marriage patterns and cultivation patterns are insignificant. The strength and significance for son preference of many determinants differs by desired family size. Our results suggest that policy makers seeking to influence son preference need to identify and target different policy levers to women in different fertility and social contexts, rather than try an approach of one size that fits all. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
INDIA | RESEARCH REPORT | RURAL AREAS | SONS | SEX PREFERENCE | INFANTICIDE | SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS | EDUCATIONAL STATUS | Developing Countries | Asia, Southern | Asia | Geographic Factors | Population | Family Relationships | Family Characteristics | Family and Household | Sociocultural Factors | Value Orientation | Psychological Factors | Behavior | Crime | Social Problems | Economic Factors | Socioeconomic Status
Document Number: 313370

30.

Title: Challenges and successes in family planning in Afghanistan.
Author: Sato M
Source: Cambridge, Massachusetts, Management Sciences for Health [MSH], 2007. 22 p. (MSH Occasional Paper No. 6)
Abstract: From 2003 to 2006, Management Sciences for Health carried out technical assistance, systems development, capacity building, and applied research through the USAID-funded Rural Expansion of Afghanistan's Community-based Healthcare (REACH) Program, and, from 2004 to 2006, through the Hewlett Foundation-funded Accelerating Contraceptive Use Project. REACH, which worked in 13 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces with a $138-million budget, increased the contraceptive prevalence rate from 16% to 26%, while the smaller project, which worked in three areas, achieved increases of 24-27 percentage points. Although misconceptions about family planning and cultural factors such as son preference presented some obstacles to progress, both projects found that religion in Afghanistan (which is 99% Muslim) is not a barrier to expanding family planning services. It was critical to engage clinicians and communities (men, women, religious leaders, and health committees) in culturally sensitive ways. Emphasizing the use of birth spacing to protect the health of mothers and children was especially effective. Activities to empower women-including a health-oriented literacy program-and increase the number of female community workers supported rapid scale-up of contraceptive use. (author's)
Language: English
Keywords:
AFGHANISTAN |