Socio Economic Factors on Son Preference in Nepal:An Analysis of Gender Caste, Ethnicity and Modern Social Relation

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K17189
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Sociology
• Research Institution: Fukuoka Prefectural University
• Principal Investigator: SANO Mayuko 福岡県立大学, 人間社会学部, 准教授 (00585416)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 男児選好 / ネパール / 社会的地位の上昇志向

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to clarify the promotional factors of son preference, such as the interruption of the female fetus, in Nepal. In 2007, it was estimated that around 100,000 girls were “missing” in Nepal. Earlier studies reveal the correlation among property, savings, educational level, and preference for sons. Author analyzed the correlation between class consciousness and son preference using the data of the questionnaire survey conducted from October 2016 to March 2017.
The results show that (1) Greater expectations for sons to provide financial support and social security and to inherit assets strengthen son preference, (2) Seeking upward mobility by emulating the rituals and practices of the upper castes strengthen son preference,on the contrary, (3) The experience of the social shift towards meritocracy,such as, being released from their status, freed from traditional constraints, and a broadening of their life choices,weaken son preference.

Free Research Field

社会学