Parental sex preference and its effects on fertility intention and contraceptive use in Calcutta.

This study investigated parental sex preference and its effects on fertility intention and contraceptive use in Calcutta. It also investigated the socioeconomic differentials of these effects. Data on 4536 married women of childbearing age came from a cross-sectional survey of slum and non-slum areas conducted in 1970. Desired numbers of sons and daughters in the slum area were 1.89 and 1.30, respectively, and in the non-slum area, 1.63 and 1.17, respectively. 35% of slum women and 30% of non-slum women wanted to have more children, and 22% of slum women and 45% of non-slum women were reported to use contraceptives. The authors estimate that in the absence of parental sex preference, 11% fewer slum women and 12% fewer non-slum women would desire more children. On the other hand, 20% more slum women and 8% more non-slum women would use contraceptives in absence of parental sex preference.