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A Multinomial Model of Fertility Choice and Offspring Sex Ratios in India.
Authors: CHAMARBAGWALA, RUBIANA; RANGER, MARTIN
Source: Journal of Development Studies, Mar2010, Vol. 46 Issue 3, p417-438, 22p, DOI: 10.1080/00220380903012755
Topic(s): Family planning
Fertility
Son preference
Country: Asia
  India
Published: MAR 2010
Abstract: Abstract: We use the fertility histories of over 70,000 Indian women from the Third National Family and Health Survey to investigate the relationship between family size and offspring sex ratios in India. We find that families with three or more children exhibit gender equality in offspring sex ratios. In families with one or two children, however, there are less than 800 daughters for every 1000 sons. Thus, we find an 'intensification' effect - namely, a positive correlation between family size and female-male offspring sex ratios. Our results indicate that greater wealth and paternal education may increase parents' access to and affordability of sex-selection technologies, thereby allowing them to choose both the sex of their children as well as a smaller family size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]