An Ethnographic Exploration of Son Preference and Inheritance Practices in Montenegro

Abstract

Montenegro is one of the 10 countries in the world with the most imbalanced sex ratio at birth, pointing to the existence of son preference in Montenegrin society. While, over the last decade, international and local organizations have raised awareness of this issue, empirical studies about this phenomenon in Montenegro are scarce. The author conducts an ethnographic exploration into women’s experience of son preference in central Montenegro by presenting their personal and intimate perspective. The resulting paper suggests that son preference is shaped by and manifests through the inheritance practice of property being passed on to the male heir. Through her analysis, the author demonstrates how ideas about gender roles, family planning, housing and inheritance strategies swing back and forth between ‘traditional’ and ‘modern,’ ‘backward’ and ‘progressive.’

Everyday Practices of Gender in the Serbian Community of Post-War South-East Kosovo

“…70-71). On the preference for sons and the practice of sex-selective abortion in Montenegro, see (Kiščenko 2021). The thematic section 'In the Name of the Daughter' (Brković 2021) offers very inspirational insights.…”