Fertility Decrease and Son Preference Among the Educated Middle-Class in Kathmandu

Abstract

The aim of this research article is to explore the persistence of single child especially the son preference in a Hindu dominated patrilineal, patrilocal society found in Kathmandu is facing the midst of fertility decline. Using semi-structured interview schedule with the help of observation and ethnographic field work mostly in middle class families of Kathmandu, I have tried to analyze the role of socio-cultural factors in selecting the number of baby conceiving and give birth, gender of child etc. regarding reproductive health and concern were questioned to married women and which remained intact. Fertility decrease or increase is not due to the only the demographic factors, it is due to the multiple factors; social factors, cultural, ecological, economic, religious and psychological, political etc. that‟s why, due to various reasons fertility is decreasing day by day in one hand and in other hand son preference is increasing day by day. People usually working couple do not want more than single child and they want to give birth a single son. It impacts on population composition, sex ration, increase abortion, familial quarrel etc. Son preference is because of multiple reasons; economic, religious, cultural, social, political familial, lineage system, customs, norms values, attitudes etc.