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Sex preferences for children in Ghana: the influence of educational attainment

Author

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  • Grace Agyemang Frempong

    (University of Ghana)

  • Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe

    (University of Ghana)

Abstract

Education influences aspects of demographic behaviour and outcomes including a child sex preference. Sex preferences of children have been studied in different societies because of its associated social and demographic implications. Using the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, we examined the association between educational attainment and sex preferences of children. Findings from the study indicated that there is preference for sons (26.1%) compared to daughters (17.4%). At higher levels of education, there is a higher likelihood for no preference for a sex of a child. Among the characteristics of respondents that influenced sex preferences are: gender, lineage, religion, occupation and desired family size. Acquisition of knowledge through education to some extent alter fertility preferences and hence the need to motivate individuals to attain some level of education.

Suggested Citation

  • Grace Agyemang Frempong & Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, 2017. "Sex preferences for children in Ghana: the influence of educational attainment," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 34(4), pages 313-325, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joprea:v:34:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s12546-017-9188-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12546-017-9188-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Karbownik, Krzysztof & Myck, Michal, 2011. "Mommies’ Girls Get Dresses, Daddies’ Boys Get Toys. Gender Preferences in Poland and their Implications," Working Paper Series, Center for Labor Studies 2011:22, Uppsala University, Department of Economics.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michel Garenne & Nancy Stiegler, 2023. "Parental sex-preferences in South Africa: culture and family composition," Journal of Population Research, Springer, vol. 40(4), pages 1-15, December.

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