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The Importance of Sons in Indian Culture

In: Gender Equality and Inequality in Rural India

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  • Carol Vlassoff

Abstract

At the beginning of the longitudinal study described in this book Shekuntala’s statement illustrating the preference for sons was widely acknowledged in India. Now, almost four decades later, in a country that has generated phenomenal economic and technological advances, it is useful to reflect on how much has changed. To what extent does Shekuntala’s pronouncement ring true today? In the following pages this question is addressed in the context of rural India by an in depth exploration of factors relating to the desire for sons, including both its motivations and consequences. While previous research has examined these interrelationships at a single moment in time, this study is unique in covering a span of over three decades, 1975 to 2008.2 It presents both qualitative and quantitative data on historical processes and outcomes in a Maharashtra community where impressive economic development has taken place, and analyzes the degree to which gender equality3 is also occurring in the context of economic progress. Before discussing the study in detail, this chapter presents a brief overview of the evolution and development of son preference in Indian culture, and the accompanying decline in women’s position. Previous research on son preference in India, and its influence upon fertility decision-making and outcomes, is then briefly reviewed.

Suggested Citation

  • Carol Vlassoff, 2013. "The Importance of Sons in Indian Culture," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Gender Equality and Inequality in Rural India, chapter 1, pages 1-14, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-37392-2_1
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137373922_1
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