Abstract
We analyzed sex preference for children among Japanese couples, based on five national sample surveys in 1971, 1976, 1982, 1985, and 1987. Our findings were as follows. (1) Wives' concern about their children's sex has increased, whereas balance sex preference has become less prevalent. (2) The three surveys show that women aged 30-34 had some stronger daughter preference than any other age group, suggesting age-specific differentials in sex preference. (3) Eastern Japan is characterized by stronger son preference than that in western counterpart. (4) Women of higher education revealed stronger son preference than that of others, and vice versa for men. (5) Contrary to expectations, farmers had weaker son preference, compared with other job categories. (6) Contradictions between wives' sex preference and couples' fertility behavior was attributed to husbands' preference.
