Sociological Implications of Sex Preference for Fertility and Marital Stability in Cross River State

The issue of high and its causes have received much attention of recent from experts in diverse areas of study. One of such causes that has been identified and taken up for study is sex preference.

This work takes a look at the sociological implications of sex preference for fertility and marital stability in Cross River State. Data for the study were drawn from the people of Cross River State.

The respondents for the study were systematically selected from the population of study (ever married persons) and altogether a total of 1200 respondents were selected.

Data for the study was gathered using a combination of and qualitative of data collection. A questionnaire was used for the quantitative aspect.

Focus group discussions and indepth interviews were also held with participants and key who were selected purposively for their experience in marriage and the issue under discourse.

One important feature of the people studied is their system. They are patrilineal in nature and prefer large families for economic purposes as well as the continuity of the lineage.

The study found that because the society is a patriarchal one, there is a strong relationship between sex preference and fertility behaviour.

Where there was a strong preference by couples for a particular sex, there was also a resultant increase in family size.

Table of Contents

Title Page                                             i
Declaration                                          ii
Certification                                          iii
Dedication                                         iv
Acknowledgements                            v
Abstract                                             vi
Table of Content                              vii
List of Tables                                viii
List of Abbreviations                   xi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study 1
• Statement of the Research Problem 7
• Research Questions 11
• Aims and Objectives of the Research 11
• Significance of the Study 12
• Scope and Delimitation of the Study 13
• Research Hypotheses 15
• Operational definition of concept 15
• Synopsis of the Thesis 17

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

• Introduction 18
• The Impact of Sex Preference on Fertility behaviour 18
• Sex preference and marital stability 34
• Sex preference and family size 37
• Sex preference and sex roles performances 44
• Socio-cultural factors and sex preference 45
• Theoretical Review 60
• Easterlin’s fertility decision theory 60
• Social action theory 63
• Theoretical Framework 66

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

• Location of the Study 68
• Target Population 69
• Types and sources of data 69
• Techniques of data collection 70
  • Quantitative Data 70
  • Sampling Techniques 70
  • The Research Instrument 72
  • Administration of the Research Instrument 73
  • Reliability Checks 73
  • Pre-testing the Instrument 74
• Qualitative Data 74
  • Focus Group Discussions 74
  • In-depth Interview 75
  • Variables 76
• Techniques for Data Analysis 76
  • Quantitative Data Analysis 76
  • Analysis of Qualitative Data 78

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

• Introduction 79
• Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents 79
• Sex preference and fertility behaviour 85
• Sex preference and marital stability 93
• Sex preference and family size preferences 99
• Sex role performance and sex preference 102
• Socio-cultural factors affecting sex preference and fertility behaviour 105
• Test of hypothesis 111
• Regression Analysis 117

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Introduction 122
• Summary of findings 123
• Discussion 126
• Conclusion 134
• Recommendations 136
• Areas of Further Research 139

References          141
Appendices       157

Introduction

Background of Study
Population is a vital component of the resource base of any country. It is one of the most valuable assets, especially with regards to its demographic characteristics.

The last century witnessed the total world population double in 38 years and triple in 72 years. The world population in the year 2006 was 6.5 billion, growing at an annual rate of 1.3 percent. (Population report 2005).

Birth rates are declining slightly on the average but with a wide variation between the developed and the developing countries.

While experts are concerned about the decline in the population of the developed countries, the population of sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow dramatically within the next 50 years.

With 20.4percent of the total world land area, Africa has a total population of 999 million, that is 14 percent world’s human population contributing steadily to the growth of the world’s population (PRB, 2009).

The population of Africa varies in density and distribution from one country to another. Available data indicate that Africa has the highest fertility rate in the world, with a crude birth rate of 41 births per 1000 as against the world’s average crude birth rate of 21 per 1000 (Weeks 2004).

References

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Adepupo, O. (1996). Fertility Differentials among Yoruba Women of South West  Nigeria. Ibadan Journal of Sociological Studies. 6(3), 112-118
Agnihotri, S. B.(1995). Missing Females: A Disaggregated Analysis. Economic and Political Weekly, 30(33): 74 – 84.
Ahmed, M.H. (1981) Determinants of Fertility in Advanced Societies. Methuen, London. PP. 213-236
Ahmed, M.H. (1998). Birth Order, Parental Ages and Sex of Offspring. Genet, 10: 268.
Akpan I.W. ( 1998) Male Role and Fertility in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State. An Unpublished Ph.D Thesis. Department of Sociology, University of Calabar