Gender Preference for Children and Sex Ratio at Birth: Trends and Regional Differences

With the support of UNFPA China Office, the China Population and Development Research Center (CPDRC) used quantitative survey data to analyze gender preferences from two dimensions: time changes and regional differences. The study found that China has completed the transition from son preference to daughter preference despite people's continued pursuit of balance preference. The gender preference in most provinces also showed a relatively "daughter" tendency, and the sex ratio at birth (SRB) could return to a normal level in the future. The study also puts forward policy recommendations such as adhering to classified guidance and especially emphasizing on a handful of provinces that are falling behind the predominant shift in gender preference.