Demand for a Child in Bangladesh: A Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Abstract

In Bangladesh, children especially sons are considered as an important part of standard of living as well as "poor man's capital". In this study an attempt is made to highlight some socioeconomic and demographic factors, which are affecting the demand for a child. Based on the findings, recommendations are given so that policy makers may take remedial measures to strengthen family planning program efforts, for accelerating the rate of fertility decline to achieve replacement level as early as possible. It is observed that for achieving the replacement level fertility, the family planning program should be strengthened among the ever-married women under age 30 due to the population momentum. The probability of demand for an additional child is significantly higher in Chittagong and Sylhet division than that in Rajshahi and Khulna division. Demand for an additional child is lower among working women than among housewives. The findings indicate that whenever gender preferences would be eliminated, the percentage of women who did not demand more children would be increased approximately by 10 percent. The findings also suggest that further increase in the contraceptive prevalence rates in the country may become increasingly more difficult unless there is a decline in the latent demand for male children. Therefore, we conclude that further reduction of fertility to achieve replacement level is unlikely without considerable reduction in the demand for male children and policy makers should emphasize those policies that actively enhance women's status through education as well as involving them in the workforce in the country and change attitudes towards girl children.