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“Daughter-Only†Families in Selected High and Low Son Preference States in India: A Comparative Analysis

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  • Harihar Sahoo
  • R. Nagarajan

Abstract

The deep-rooted patriarchal norms and the culture of son preference in India played a central role for avoiding the birth of a girl child. This study attempts to understand the extent of acceptance of daughters in selected high and low son preference states of India by using data from District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS) 3 and 4. Understanding the characteristics of the couples who have stopped childbearing only with daughters provide insights about the prevailing norms on acceptance of daughters. The results revealed that, from DLHS 3 to 4, there is an increasing trend in the daughter preference in both high and low son preference states. The results of the study indicate that the acceptance of daughters is initially emerging among younger, educated, urban and richer couples. The gradual increase in acceptance of daughters reveals weakening of rigid patriarchal norms and son preference in the study states.

Suggested Citation

  • Harihar Sahoo & R. Nagarajan, 2020. "“Daughter-Only†Families in Selected High and Low Son Preference States in India: A Comparative Analysis," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 14(2), pages 234-256, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inddev:v:14:y:2020:i:2:p:234-256
    DOI: 10.1177/0973703020948467
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julia Behrman & Sara Duvisac, 2017. "The relationship between women's paid employment and women's stated son preference in India," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 36(52), pages 1601-1636.
    2. Nadia Diamond-Smith & David Bishai, 2015. "Evidence of Self-correction of Child Sex Ratios in India: A District-Level Analysis of Child Sex Ratios From 1981 to 2011," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 52(2), pages 641-666, April.
    3. Fred Arnold, 1985. "Measuring the effect of sex preference on fertility: The case of Korea," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 22(2), pages 280-288, May.
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    1. Aradhana Kumari & Srinivas Goli, 2022. "Skewed child sex ratios in India: a revisit to geographical patterns and socio-economic correlates," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 39(1), pages 45-72, March.

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