FACTORS AFFECTING FAMILY SIZE AND SEX PREFERENCE: A STUDY OF URBAN TEHSIL FASIALABAD (PAKISTAN)

Authors: MUJAHIDA SHARIF1, SANEELA SAFDAR, CHANDA MUBEEN, SANA HUSSAIN AND SAIMA RASHEED

ABSTRACT

The high growth rate of Pakistan is due to the large family size. An enormous population growth hinders the socio-economic development of society. This study was conducted to explore the socio-economic and cultural aspects of family size and son preference in urban tehsil Faisalabad. Three localities were selected from the list of localities prepared by the Federal Bureau of Statistics. A random sample of 150 females 15 – 45 years of age with at least one living child were selected from these localities. A comprehensive questionnaire consisting of open ended and closed-ended questions was prepared. Pre-testing of the study was carried out with ten respondents to examine the workability and suitability of measuring instruments.

Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data for drawing conclusion. Descriptive and inferential were used to analyze the date for drawing conclusion. It is concluded that socio-economic characteristics in term of women’s education, family income and demographic factors and age at marriage have bearing upon the family size