Angela Maria Sanchez, Valeria Curvelo & Juliana Silva V

Son Preference & International Gender Security

One of the most striking aspects of our research emerged not only from the content itself, but
also from the way we approached it. Through a play-based learning methodology, we
explored key concepts related to a specific social phenomenon: son preference. Our goal was
to collaboratively construct a network of causes and effects, analyzing this issue through the
lens of intersectionality.

Using a memory game, different terms were presented, and participants had to match each
concept with its corresponding definition or example. What initially seemed like a simple
activity quickly evolved into something much deeper. After completing the game, we
reflected as a group and built a conceptual network that connected each term to the broader
theme. More importantly, it created space for dialogue, making our understanding more
critical and collective.

As we moved from theory to real-world cases, one of the most surprising discoveries came
from the news and examples we analyzed. At the beginning, we instinctively associated
practices like sex-selective abortion, infanticide, or strong son preference with countries such
as India, China, or regions in Africa. However, this assumption was quickly challenged.

Cases from the United Kingdom and Montenegro revealed a different reality. In the UK,
debates around whether sex-selective abortion should be explicitly considered illegal, and
reports of cultural and family pressures influencing reproductive decisions, show that these
dynamics are present even in highly developed contexts. Similarly, Montenegro reflects how
son preference persists despite legal restrictions, shaped by social expectations related to
inheritance and family roles. For us as a group, this was genuinely unexpected. It forced us to
confront the idea that these practices are not limited to certain regions but are, in fact,
globally embedded in different forms.

To deepen our analysis, we used the WomenStats framework, which helped us examine
variables such as sex-selective practices, infant mortality rates by gender, and reproductive
policies. Interestingly, both the UK and Montenegro show relatively balanced, or even higher,
mortality rates for boys in early childhood, suggesting no direct discrimination against girls in
survival. However, this does not eliminate the deeper cultural biases that continue to privilege
male children in less visible but equally impactful ways.
 Angela Maria Sanchez, Valeria Curvelo & Juliana Silva V

As we expanded our perspective, it became clear that these patterns are part of a broader
historical and global structure. Countries like China and India illustrate how deeply rooted
son preference can shape entire societies. In China, for example, the One-Child Policy
intensified this bias. Because families were limited to a single child, many felt compelled to
ensure that this child was a boy. Thus, this led to sex-selective abortions, abandonment, and
even the death of baby girls.

On the other hand, in India, particularly in rural areas, female infanticide continues to occur
and, in some contexts, has become normalized. What is especially striking is the paradox that
even mothers, despite being women themselves, may participate in or accept these practices.
Even when daughters survive, inequality persists: sons are often given better food, education,
and opportunities, regardless of birth order.

These practices have led to significant demographic consequences. The concept of “bare
branches” illustrates one of them: a growing population of men who are unable to find
partners due to the shortage of women. This has been particularly visible in countries like
China, where skewed sex ratios have generated social tensions and frustration. In response to
demographic challenges such as declining birth rates, countries like South Korea have
implemented policies that encourage marriage and childbirth.

Our lead discussion explored Son Preference and its implications for gender and international
security through a dynamic and deeply reflective classroom exercise. Rather than relying on a
conventional presentation format, we sought to transform the discussion into an interactive
space where students could critically examine how gender expectations continue to shape
social perceptions and human relationships. We opened the session with a Mentimeter
question: “If you could choose, what would you want your first child to be: a boy or a girl?
Why?” The responses revealed strikingly complex perspectives. Some participants preferred
boys, associating masculinity with leadership, resilience, protection, and the ability to “take
charge” within both the family and society. Others described the emotional security of having
an older brother who could protect, guide, and care for younger sisters.

What proved most compelling, however, was that a significant majority chose girls. Many
students described daughters as emotionally intelligent, caring, peaceful, affectionate, and
deeply connected to the family environment. Several women expressed the desire to raise
daughters who could embody their values, challenge limitations, and become empowered
 Angela Maria Sanchez, Valeria Curvelo & Juliana Silva V

reflections of themselves. This response sharply contrasted with the historical logic
surrounding Son Preference, where sons have traditionally been privileged due to patriarchal,
economic, and cultural structures.

At the same time, the discussion exposed how gender stereotypes remain deeply embedded in
social thinking. Even positive preferences were often framed around assumptions about
femininity, caregiving, masculinity, and protection. Ultimately, the conversation demonstrated
a generational shift: younger generations are increasingly questioning traditional norms and
reconstructing gender expectations, revealing how cultural values surrounding family,
identity, and gender are gradually evolving.

Ultimately, what surprised us most was not only the existence and universality of these
practices, but also the way they continue to shape social perceptions, family expectations, and
gender roles across generations. Across cultures, levels of development, and political
systems, societies have normalized behaviors that assign greater value to men over women,
whether explicitly through structural practices or more subtly through social expectations and
stereotypes. At the same time, our classroom discussion revealed that younger generations are
increasingly questioning these traditional norms and reconstructing gender expectations in
new ways. The implications go far beyond individual choices; they shape entire populations,
reinforce inequality, and demonstrate that progress alone cannot fully eliminate deeply rooted
gender biases, but it can begin to challenge and transform them.
Angela Maria Sanchez, Valeria Curvelo & Juliana Silva V