Son Preference in Anhui Province, China

This study examined the sex ratios in Anhui province in China. Data were obtained from a 1993 community survey conducted in 2 rural counties and 4 townships (3 in Zongyang and 1 in Huaining). Face-to-face interviews were conducted among about 16000 women and 20000 men. Pregnancy histories were obtained from 5779 women aged 15 years and older born after 1950 and with at least 1 live birth. Sex ratios were constructed before 1980 1980-86 and 1987-93. It was hypothesized that couples with sons would be less likely to have another child that birth intervals would be determined by the sex of the preceding child and that sons and daughters would receive different breast feeding. The sex ratio was 1.18 male births/1.0 female birth. Sex ratios were 1.17 for 1st births. At each parity sex ratios were higher prior to 1980 than in 1980-86. Sex ratios after 1986 increased. The sex ratio of last born children was high (1.32-1.79) regardless of family size. The sex ratio for only children was 1.58. The sex ratio for families with prior girl children was 3.94 for 2-child families and 3.79 for 3-child families. Girls were breast fed for a shorter period. Gender differences in breast feeding increased with parity. Birth intervals were more likely to be shorter if the 1st child was a girl born after 1980. Intervals were very short when there were 2 prior girls. The risk of a 2nd birth was higher among couples with a girl. For 3rd births the risk was higher. Maternal education was significant for the risk for 3rd births and not 2nd births. Couples in Huaining township were more likely to have a 2nd child than those in Zongyang.