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Firstborn preference and attitudes toward using sex selection technology.
Doreen Swetkis1, Faith D Gilroy, Roberta Steinbacher
1Department of Urban Studies, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University, OH 44115, USA. swetk54@wolf.csuohio.edu
The Journal of Genetic Psychology
|July 4, 2002
Summary
Many people prefer sons as their firstborn child, with a greater willingness to use sex selection technology (SST) among African American students. Pro-technology attitudes may influence these firstborn preferences.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Reproductive Technology
- Bioethics
Background:
- Societal preferences for child sex can influence reproductive decisions.
- The advent of sex selection technology (SST) raises ethical and social questions.
- Understanding attitudes towards SST is crucial for assessing its potential impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex preferences for firstborn children.
- To examine the relationship between pro-technology attitudes and willingness to use SST.
- To explore the influence of social conformity on the adoption of SST.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 469 college students (239 women, 230 men).
- Data collected on demographics, technology usage, personal preferences, and conformity.
- Logistic regression analysis used to identify predictive factors.
Main Results:
- A significant overall preference for firstborn males was observed.
- Potential users of SST showed a specific preference for firstborn sons.
- African American students demonstrated a greater willingness to use SST compared to White students.
- No correlation was found between social conformity and potential SST use.
Conclusions:
- Pro-technology attitudes appear to be a predictor of firstborn sex preferences.
- Findings have implications for gender equality and future population sex ratios.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of technology, preference, and societal factors.