Preselection of Child's Sex: Technological Utilization and Feminism

Abstract

A survey of 236 undergraduates was conducted to assess preference for sex of firstborn. Respondents also indicated their support for the women's movement and their willingness to use sex-selection techniques when these become available. Results confirm earlier findings of significant preference for boys by both female and male college students, although almost half of all respondents indicated they had no preference. There was no relationship between support of the women's movement and sex preference by females in this sample, but those males who indicated “strong support” were unanimous in indicating no preference for sex of firstborn. Among students who indicated a willingness to use sex-choice technology there was an overwhelming preference for boys. Possible implications of these stated choices were discussed, as were limitations of the present sample.