Preferences for Sex of Children Among U.S. Couples

Data from the 1973 U.S. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) was analyzed in order to determine the true nature of sex preferences in American families. Results indicated that about 1/2 of married women would prefer to have sons 1/3 would prefer daughters and that only 1/5 have a clear preference for a balanced family. A son preference which evidenced by the frequent choice of a male for the 1st child was usually thought to be balanced by the desire for females as the family size increased. Findings indicate that the son preference is pervasive in American families. While son preference is less extreme than in some other countries and cultures the preference for daughters is less prevalent. The only major difference between statistical subgroups was with those of Spanish heritage who were more likely to prefer daughters. This is a preference which is in accordance with preferences in other countries of Spanish heritage such as the Philippines and Colombia. Because of the preference for small families in the U.S. it is shown that number preference is likely to predominate over sex preference in the decision for the subsequent child.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)