The secondary sex ratio in Israel: 1980-1995

This study deals with models and hypotheses that attempt to explain the underlying mechanisms determining the sex ratios at birth in human populations. Since the factors responsible are still questionable and research results are contradictory, we examine data available in Israel on the sex ratios at birth among two different sociodemographic groups, Jews and Moslems. Results suggest a difference between Jewish and Moslem patterns of secondary sex ratios with respect to parental age, education, and birth number. The difference may be described as a more regular and, by existing models, a more predictable pattern of secondary sex ratio among Moslems than among Jews. The possibility that Jewish religious laws play a role in this difference is discussed.