Son Preference in Pakistan; A Myth or Reality

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Demography
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Son preference is a significant social issue in many cultures, influencing family planning and gender dynamics.
• Understanding the factors contributing to son preference is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the desire for sons versus daughters among women in Peshawar, Pakistan.
• To investigate the impact of demographic characteristics on son/daughter preference.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 506 participants at Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar.
• Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire on desired number of sons/daughters and demographic details.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations to examine relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• A significant son preference was observed, with an average of 3.05 sons desired compared to 1.15 daughters.
• 18.2% of respondents did not desire any daughters.
• Client's education, husband's education, and socioeconomic class significantly influenced the desire for sons (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• The study confirms a clear son preference among women in Peshawar.
• Addressing son preference is essential for mitigating gender discrimination within families and society.