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Changing Gender Preference in China Today: Implications for the Sex Ratio

Author

Listed:
  • Zhou Chi

    (Zhou Chi is at the Institute of Social and Family Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. E-mail: zhouchi@zju.edu.cn)

  • Zhou Xu Dong

    (Zhou Xu Dong is at the Institute of Social and Family Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. E-mail: zhouzudong@zju.edu.cn)

  • Wang Xiao Lei

    (Wang Xiao Lei is at the Institute of Social and Family Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China and is also at the College of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China. E-mail: wxlwmm@126.com)

  • Zheng Wei Jun

    (Zheng Wei Jun is at the Institute of Social and Family Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. E-mail: deardangjun@160.com)

  • Li Lu

    (Li Lu is at the Institute of Social and Family Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. E-mail: lilu@zju.edu.cn)

  • Therese Hesketh

Abstract

There is growing evidence in China that son preference is on the decline. But sex ratios at birth, despite a recent small reduction, are still the highest in the world at around 120 male births to every 100 females. We carried out this research to explore current attitudes towards gender preference amongst people of reproductive age in China today, with a view to understanding better the persistently high sex ratio. We conducted in-depth interviews with 212 individuals, aged 18 to 39, in rural and urban areas of three provinces—Yunnan, Guizhou and Zhejiang—and have shown that while son preference has weakened considerably in this reproductive generation, it has by no means disappeared. The sex ratio remains high because of this small minority of individuals who still expresses a clear son preference and who choose sex-selective abortion to ensure male offspring. But its numbers are falling, and this may help to explain the recent downturn in sex ratio and perhaps signals the beginning of a trend towards its normalisation. Intensive local policy interventions have been successful in reducing the sex ratio in some areas and these should be disseminated widely.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou Chi & Zhou Xu Dong & Wang Xiao Lei & Zheng Wei Jun & Li Lu & Therese Hesketh, 2013. "Changing Gender Preference in China Today: Implications for the Sex Ratio," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 20(1), pages 51-68, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:20:y:2013:i:1:p:51-68
    DOI: 10.1177/0971521512465936
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Monica Das Gupta & Jiang Zhenghua & Li Bohua & Xie Zhenming & Woojin Chung & Bae Hwa-Ok, 2003. "Why is Son preference so persistent in East and South Asia? a cross-country study of China, India and the Republic of Korea," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(2), pages 153-187.
    2. Tin-chi Lin, 2009. "The decline of son preference and rise of gender indifference in Taiwan since 1990," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 20(16), pages 377-402.
    3. Woojin Chung & Monica Das Gupta, 2007. "The Decline of Son Preference in South Korea: The Roles of Development and Public Policy," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 33(4), pages 757-783, December.
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