Son Preference and Gender Gaps in Child Nutrition: Does the Level of Female Autonomy Matter?
Authors:
Shatanjaya Dasgupta
Source:
Review of Development Economics, 20(2): 375–386; DOI: 10.1111/rode.12231
Topic(s):
Child health Fertility preferences Gender Nutrition Son preference Women's autonomy
Country:
Asia
India
Published:
MAY 2016
Abstract:
This paper examines the association between parental son preference and child anthropometric status, and the extent to which this relationship depends on the level of female autonomy. Results highlight the importance of maternal son preference and mothers' involvement in household decision making when gender gaps in child nutrition are considered. These findings have important policy implications.