Gender Imbalance: The Male/Female Sex Ratio Determination

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop a rational choice model for male/female sex ratio determination. The equilibrium sex ratio at birth is determined by the preference for sons and birth rates. The conventional theory predicts that low birth rate will increase the disparity between male and female births. However, our model predicts that low birth rate will decrease the sex ratio at birth. The argument has relevance both for positive and normative aspects of demographic composition, as well as other applications. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]