ABSTRACT

This study comparatively analyzed rural-urban differentials in sex preference in Okpanam and Asaba, Delta State. Stratified and random sampling techniques were employed to select four quarters in Okpanam which include Obodogba, Ogbe-Uzoma, Amachia and Obodo-Ogwugwu and six quarters in Asaba which include Umuagu, Umuonaje, Umuaji, Umuezei, Isieke and Ezenei. The main objectives of the study were to examine the level of sex preference, analyze the socio-cultural reasons for sex preference, analyze the effect of sex preference on completed fertility and examine the effect of sex preference on marital stability in rural areas of Okpanam and urban areas of Asaba, Delta state. Structured questionnaire and personal observation were used to collect data for the purpose of this study. From the analysis of data, it was discovered that majority of the respondents have between 4-6 children with the second highest number of respondents having 1-3 children. It was also observed that due to the fact that majority of the respondents are still at the child bearing phase of marriage, the highest number of male and female children per respondent did not exceed two. In the area of sex preference however, it was observed that respondents generally prefer having more male children and fewer female children; a preference that can be attributed to the general perception of male children as the stronger sex as well as conveyors of the family name through generations. Respondents who preferred female children however did so primarily for their ability to take care of siblings and support their parents in old age. As far as continued child bearing is concerned, the study made it evident that the absence of the preferred sex in the study area has an impact on child bearing. A vast majority of respondents indicated that they would keep trying to have their desired sex until they are able to get what they want or until it becomes impossible to do so. The study also revealed that respondents in both Okpanam and Asaba generally believe that the absence of a male child could result in marital instability. Conclusively, the study revealed that there is no statistically significant difference between sex preferences of respondents in Asaba and Okpanam and concluded that location does not significantly influence sexual preference of respondents in the study area. The study recommends that for there to be favorable attitudes towards female children and a reduction in the level of bias against them, there has to be a society-wide change in attitudes towards women generally, this is because female children would be viewed in a better light when women and men are seen as equals in the society.