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Preference for a first-born boy in Western societies.
Jacques D Marleau1, Jean-François Saucier
1Centre de recherche de l'Institut Philippe Pinel de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Canada.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|January 30, 2002
Summary
Pregnancy changes preferences: pregnant women often desire a girl first, contrary to non-pregnant individuals who prefer a boy. This study explores sex selection preferences in first-born children.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Development
Background:
- Previous research suggested a universal preference for a first-born son in Western societies.
- However, prior studies often included non-pregnant women or students, potentially skewing results.
- This research re-examines first-born child sex preferences, considering pregnancy status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex preferences for first-born children among pregnant women versus non-pregnant individuals.
- To analyze historical trends in sex preference over time.
- To identify gender differences in first-born child sex selection.
Main Methods:
- Review of sixteen studies focusing on first-time pregnant women's preferences.
- Analysis of data from expectant fathers.
- Comparison of preferences between expectant and non-expectant males and females.
- Examination of data across different time periods (pre-1980 vs. 1981-1996).
Main Results:
- First-time pregnant women predominantly preferred a girl first, particularly in recent decades (1981-1996).
- Expectant fathers, non-pregnant males, and non-pregnant females showed a preference for a first-born boy.
- Men consistently showed a stronger preference for a boy first compared to women across all periods.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy status significantly influences the preference for a first-born child's sex.
- A preference for a girl first appears linked to the state of being pregnant.
- Gender differences in sex preference persist, with men more consistently favoring sons.