Husband, sons and the fertility gap: evidence from India

A fertility gap—the difference between a woman’s ideal number of children and her actual children—is prevalent in both directions. We investigate the distribution gap India factors that lead to women exceeding or underachieving their children. find preference for males has significant effect, contributing negative as well positive gap. The probability woman exceeds reduces by 7 percent 2005–06 10 2015–16 if first child is male. Further, we husband’s preferences significantly shape likely exceed 3–4 husband prefers higher sons than daughters. family size an effect similar magnitude his son preference. Our results point important role gender norms household perspective analysis policy settings challenges during transitions.