GENDER-BIASED SEX SELECTION IN LIBERIA: EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES

Jonah Nyenpan, Jr, University of Ghana

Gender-Biased Sex Selection in Liberia: Educational and Socio-Demographic Influences Abstract: Introduction Gender-biased sex selection, driven by cultural, social, and economic factors, leads to gender imbalances and population growth, especially in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. This challenges the expansion of public expenditures to address poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and universal access to essential services. Objective This study examines the relationship between educational attainment and preferences for the sex of children in Liberia, while exploring the influence of various socio-demographic factors. Study Question What is the impact of educational attainment and socio-demographic variables on preferences for the sex of children among women in Liberia? Methods Utilizing data from the 2019/2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS), comprising 8,065 females aged 15 to 49, this study conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses. Findings Educational attainment significantly correlates with gender preference. Women with secondary or higher education prefer female children more. Larger desired family sizes reduce gender preferences. Significant socio-demographic variables include age, region, residence, number of children, ethnicity, and religion. Conclusion The study concludes that higher education levels are associated with changing cultural perspectives on gender, highlighting the need for initiatives promoting gender equality and challenging traditional stereotypes.

Keywords: Fertility, Gender Dynamics, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Family Planning and Contraception

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