CMI Working Paper | 2012

Son preference, number of children, education and occupational choice in rural Nepal

Magnus Hatlebakk (2012)
Bergen: Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI Working Paper WP 2012:8) 26 p.

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Magnus Hatlebakk (2012). Son preference, number of children, education and occupational choice in rural Nepal. Bergen: Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI Working Paper WP 2012:8)

A unique family survey was conducted in Nepal to investigate the economic consequences of having a first-born girl. Women get more children, but we find no causal effect of number of children on economic outcomes. But independently of the number of children there is a positive effect on boys' education of having a first born sister, who presumably takes care of household work so the boys can focus on school. This indicates a stronger son-preference in Nepal than what is found in studies from neighboring countries.

Magnus Hatlebakk

Senior Researcher; Coordinator: Poverty Dynamics

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