Abstract
While research on son preference in India and on fertility differentials between religious groups is well-known, we only have indirect estimates of differences in son preference between religious groups. This paper examines data from two waves of the National Family and Health Survey, 1998-99 and 2005-06 to determine to what extent son preference differs between Hindus and Muslims, the two largest religious groups in India. Using women’s self-reported ideal sex composition of children and actual fertility behaviors, this study finds that Muslims have lower son preference compared to Hindus. We find strong evidence for sex selection among Hindus during births when the family previously has only daughters. This however does not occur among Muslims. The research suggests that religious identity, beliefs and practices especially among the Hindus may be a key cultural explanation for the persistence of son preference in India.
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