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Abstract
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BACKGROUND - Alarming spread of practice of female foeticide is definitely a matter of concern. It is important to recognize the social and cultural factors in that particular society in order to understand why preference for male child is so strong in a society.
AIM - The present study was conducted to assess the effect of socio-cultural factors on the preference for son-preference and to find out reasons behind preference for son and non-preference for daughter.
METHOD - Simple random sampling technique was used for sample collection among 423 women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years using pre-designed questionnaire. Analysis was done in SPSS version 20.0 and Chi-square test was used to test the statistical significance.
RESULTS - 83.2% had preference for a male child. Location of residence, social class, occupation, education and religion were significantly associated with gender preference. Keeping the family line (46.9%) alive was the major reason behind preference for son followed by old age security (34.9%) and pressure from in-laws (23.0%). Girl not staying with parents after marriage (62.8%) was found to be the most frequent reason cited for not preferring a girl child.
CONCLUSION - Improvement of the status of women in the society and to ensure effective implementation of the PNDT Act has to be maintained with further strengthening to improve the existing situation.
Language: en |