Some Social Implications of Sex-Choice Technology

Abstract

A survey of 710 undergraduates was conducted to assess the probable patterns of utilization of sex-choice technology when it becomes widely available. Ideal family composition was determined along with demographic and attitudinal variables. Results confirmed the overwhelming preference for male children, in general, and male firstborn children, in particular: 85% wanted a firstborn boy, while 73% wanted a secondborn girl. Reasons for the choice reflected both considerable knowledge of advantages accruing to firstborn children and stereotypic expectations regarding sons and daughters. The possible consequences of widespread use of sex choice technology for women's civil rights are discussed.

Sex selection technology utilization: Further implications for sex ratio imbalance

“…Various researchers have supported this position. Fidell et al (1979) found that 73 per cent of their sample would select a girl second, which supported Markle and Nam's (1971) finding of 60 per cent second-born girl preference. The present study was an initial effort to assess second-born preference among potential users of sex selection technology.…”

“…Previous studies have explored the willingness of respondents to use sex selection technology to translate son preference into reality (Fidell et al, 1979;Gilroy and Steinbacher, 1983;Markle and Nam, 1971;Pebley and Westoff, 1983;Steinbacher and Gilroy, 1990). Results indicate that potential users have as strong and, in some instances, a stronger first-born sex preference than the general population.…”

“…Coombs (1977) found a modest 19 per cent of U.S. married women preferred a balanced family composition. Although Fidell et al (1979) found that 73 per cent of their sample would select a girl second, they found that only 11 per cent of the respondents who considered themselves potential users of sex selection technology would use the technology to guarantee that their second child was the opposite sex to the first.…”

“…Extensive research results consistently indicate a strong first-born son preference in the United States (Dinitz et al, 1954;Fidell et al, 1979;Gilroy and Steinbacher, 1983;Rent and Rent, 1977;Westoff and Rindfuss, 1974;Wood and Bean, 1977). Previous studies have explored the willingness of respondents to use sex selection technology to translate son preference into reality (Fidell et al, 1979;Gilroy and Steinbacher, 1983;Markle and Nam, 1971;Pebley and Westoff, 1983;Steinbacher and Gilroy, 1990).…”

Sex Control Technology and Reproductive "Choice": The Conflation of Technical and Political Argument in the New Science of Human Reproduction

“…(Westoff & Rindfuss, 1974). In other social science journals, the existence of technology that controls for sex at the time of conception is repeatedly referred to as sex choice and the ability of individuals to choose the sex of their offspring (Fidell, Hoffman, & Keith-Spiegel, 1979;Gilroy & Steinbacher, 1983;Steinbacher & Gilroy, 1989). The vocabulary of "choice" also makes its way into technical discussions that have as their audience policy analysts (Wiegle, 1985), foreshadowing the depiction of sex selection technology that will dominate public debate and discussion.…”