A Study to Identify Extent of Difference between Son and Daughter Preference, Gender Discrimination and its Socio Demographic Predictors among Currently Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Selected Rural Community of West Bengal

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to identify extent of difference between son and daughter preference, gender discrimination and its socio demographic predictors among currently married women of reproductive age group in selected rural community of West Bengal. The newly married couples were selected by multistage random sampling. Son and daughter preference and discrimination were identified by 'structured opinionare'. The findings of the study showed that the son preference was present more than half of the eligible couples (60%). Very few couples had daughter preference. In case of gender discrimination, it was seen that among 60% of rural population had discriminating behaviour against daughter which was also an alarming sign for discrimination against daughter. There was a significant association between education, occupation of husband and family income with gender preference and gender discrimination in rural area at 0.05 level of significant. The study had implicated in the field of nursing practice, research, education and administration to take measures to reduce discrimination against daughter by reducing contributing factors and increase awareness about importance of girl child and facilities available for girl children.