Why is son preference so persistent in East and South Asia? A cross-country study of China, India and the Republic of Korea

Type Journal Article - The Journal of Development Studies
Title Why is son preference so persistent in East and South Asia? A cross-country study of China, India and the Republic of Korea
Author(s)
Volume 40
Issue 2
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2003
Page numbers 153-187
URL http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/IW3P/IB/2003/02/07/000094946_03012804​060286/Rendered/PDF/multi0page.pdf
Abstract
Son preference has persisted in the face of sweeping change these incentives without more direct efforts by
economic and social changes in China, India, and the the state and civil society to increase the flexibility of the
Republic of Korea. The authors attribute this to their kinship system such that daughters and sons can be
similar family systems, which generate strong perceived as being more equally valuable. Much can be
disincentives to raise daughters while valuing adult done to this end through social movements, legislation,
women's contributions to the household. Urbanization, and the mass media.
female education, and employment can only slowly.

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