Son preference and family limitation in Pakistan: A parity and contraceptive method–specific analysis

Journal article

Context: Son preference exerts a strong influence over contraceptive and fertility decisions in many South Asian countries. In Pakistan – where fertility remains high and contraceptive use low – research has been limited, despite the potentially large effect of son preference on the fertility transition. Methods: Data from three Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys was used, conducted in 1990-91, 2006-07 and 2012-13. Descriptive analyses looked at sex composition preferences of both men and women, as well as the sex ratio at last birth. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study parity progression split by birth order. Multinomial logistic regression was used to study the effect of previous sex composition on choice of permanent, temporary or traditional contraceptive method. Results: Parity progression and choice of contraceptive method are increasingly driven by the sex composition of previous children, with a particular preference for at least two sons, though most also wanted at least one daughter. Son preference depressed modern contraceptive usage by 19% amongst parous women in 2012-13. Permanent method usage was extremely low for women with no sons and increased significantly with the number of sons. The effect on temporary method usage was smaller but significant, while son preference was only marginally related to traditional method use. Conclusion: The effect of son preference on parity progression ratios, and both contraceptive use and method choice has increased over time. Unless the widespread use of differential stopping behaviour and differential contraceptive use stops then further fertility transition in Pakistan faces substantial barriers.

Authors: Channon, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Guttmacher Institute
• Journal: International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 99-110
• Publication date: 2018-01-30
• Acceptance date: 2017-09-15
• DOI: 10.1363/43e4317
• EISSN: 1944-0405
• ISSN: 1944-0391