Dimensions of Son Preference in india

Some Critical Observations

Abstract

Human reproductive behaviour, though a 'biological process' is conditioned largely by the socio-cultural milieu of  the family. The value system of the society influences the behaviour patterns of the members including their reproductive behaviour. Thus, it is viewed in this context that a strong preference for son may be treated as a cultural value (Gupta; 2003). It is also noted that preference for son than daughter has been documented in several countries in the world. This peculiar kind of preference especially male children prevalent in South Asia, East Asia and North Africa (South East Asia i.e. Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Taiwan, India). But in many European and Latin American countries, a balanced sex composition of children is more commonly preferred (Malhi, et.al. 1999). The existence of sex preference for children is also noted in the South Korea and China. These countries share a tradition of Confucian patriarchal value system (Ladusingh, et.al 2006).