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Parental Gender Preferences and Reproductive Behaviour

A Review of the Recent Literature

Bibliographic Data

ID24078207
AuthorsKarsten Hank (0000-0003-1844-7612, University of Mannheim, corresponding author)
Year2007
Volume39
Issue5
Pages759-767
Publication date2007-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Biosocial Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-9320 • E-ISSN: 1469-7599
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0021932006001787
PMID17156588
OpenAlexW1966565334
LanguageEN
Citations received37
References cited27

This paper reviews various theoretical approaches towards an explanation of parental gender preferences and empirical findings from developing as well as from industrialized countries, focusing on the role of gender preferences in reproductive decisions. Although various attempts have been made to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the observed patterns of sex preferences for children, a fully satisfying theoretical explanation is still not at hand. Empirically, a distinct and stable preference for at least one child of each sex can be observed as a common pattern of parental sex preferences across many different social, economic and cultural contexts. Further – and ideally multidisciplinary – research that helps to improve our understanding of this phenomenon is highly desirable.

Developed country · Developing country · Developmental psychology · Economic growth · Economics · Multidisciplinary approach · Phenomenon · Population · Preference · Social science · Sociology · Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences · Demography · Family Dynamics and Relationships · Global Maternal and Child Health · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works37
Citations per year2,31
Citation span2010 - 2026 (17)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 33
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