Differential Child Care in Three Tibetan Communities: Beyond Son Preference

Son and daughter preferences in Benighat, Nepal: Implications for fertility transition

“…Lineage and religious reasons are also important. Therefore, we concur with other researchers that the preponderance of economic theorization has neglected the cultural and normative values attached to children (Cleland number of daughters less than or equal and Wilson, 1987;Levine, 1987; Vlas-to ( < =) the number of sons, soff, 1990).…”

“…Social scientists have shown sustained interest in sex preference (see Sheps, 1963;Coombs et al, 1975;Williamson, 1976;Cleland et al, 1983;Arnold, 1985Arnold, , 1991Bongaarts and Potter, 1985;Lightbourne, 1985;McClelland, 1979McClelland, , 1983aLevine, 1987;Rahman and DaVanzo, 1993). A preference for sons is widespread, especially in South Asia, East Asia, and in some areas of the Middle East and North Africa (Williamson, 1976;Arnold, 1991).…”

Sexual dimorphism in stature and women's work: A phylogenetic cross-cultural analysis

“…Sexual dimorphism would therefore be diminished. The greater value of male children in household production is often cited both by researchers and parents as a reason for male-biased parental investment (Arnold and Zhaoxiang, 1987;Bairagi, 1986;Levine, 1987;Smith and Smith, 1994;however, cf. Das Gupta, 1987 for an opposing view).…”

“…Sex biases in parental investment are known to affect children's nutritional status, which in turn affects adult stature. There is good evidence from some South Asian populations that parental discrimination against girls can involve feeding them less both in quantity and quality of food (Bairagi, 1986;Chen et al, 1981;Levine, 1987;Das Gupta, 1987). This results in greater levels of malnutrition (affecting growth) among girls, as well as higher female child mortality rates (Chen et al, 1981;Bairagi, 1986).…”

Infant feeding practices reflect antecedent risk of xerophthalmia in Nepali children

“…Studies of infant feeding practices conducted within Nepal reveal a great deal of diversity in infant feeding practices by ethnic and caste group (Gittelsohn, 1989;Graves, 1984;Krantz, 1979;Levine, 1987;Panter-Brick, 1991;Reissland & Burghart, 1988). In general, common patterns identi®ed include lack of feeding of colostrum to the infant, generally long duration of breast-feeding (2± 3 y), lack of preparation of specialized weaning foods (such as cereal paps), and relatively late introduction of solid foods (after six months of age).…”