The Effect of Family Size and Composition on Fertility Desires, Contraceptive Adoption, and Method Choice in South Asia (English)

Document Type

Working Papers

Publication Topic(s)

Family Planning, Fertility and Fertility Preferences

Country(s)

Bangladesh, India, Nepal

Language

English

Author(s)

Anuja Jayaraman and Vinod Mishra and Fred Arnold and Macro International Inc. Calverton, Maryland, USA

Publication Date

March 2008

Publication ID

WP40

Abstract:

Introduction: Many countries in East and South Asia demonstrate a strong cultural preference for sons. We examine the influence of family size and composition on reproductive behavior in three South Asian countries—Nepal, India, and Bangladesh—that are known for strong son preference. Methods: Using data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys, we analyze whether the choice of contraceptive method adopted (modern versus traditional; temporary versus permanent) and desire for another child differ by parity and sex composition of surviving children. Models are estimated using binary and multinomial logistic regression after controlling for key socioeconomic factors, including education, work status, media exposure, household wealth status, woman’s participation in household decision-making, and urban/rural residence. Results: We find that, independent of socioeconomic factors, women with more sons have a lower desire to have another child and are more likely to use contraception than those with more daughters. These effects are more prominent in Nepal and India than in Bangladesh. Within India, the effects are stronger in north India than in south India or West Bengal. However, considerable proportions of women also express a desire for at least one daughter, especially in Bangladesh after having a son. Conclusions: We conclude that son preference remains widespread in all three countries, and it has a major influence on reproductive behavior. The preference for boys is embedded in the cultural and traditional beliefs of these countries. Reducing such preference would require a change in social norms and attitudes of the people and an improvement of the status of women within the household.