Son Preference and Its Effect on Fertility in India

Abstract

Numerous studies have found that most Indian couples have a strong preference for sons over daughters. In an effort to have sons, many couples continue to have children after achieving their desired family size. This practice may have retarded India's fertility decline.

Using data from the 1992-93 National Family Health Survey, this report assesses the prevalence of son preference in India as a whole and in the 19 most populous states. The state-level analysis is important because fertility levels, social and economic conditions, and the strength of son preference vary widely from one part of the country to another.