Why do African Couples prefer to have Male child among their Children?

The widespread cultural desire for sons in many African countries dates back generations. Having a son is very important in many cultures since he will carry on the family name and traditions. Many civilizations across the world, not only those in Africa, show a clear preference for having sons. Cultural beliefs and traditions play a large role in explaining why African couples are more likely to conceive a son than a daughter. A son is the ultimate expression of status, achievement, and riches in many African cultures.

Sons are prized for their potential to become breadwinners and protectors. This belief runs deep in many African cultures, where the sex of a child may determine the family’s social standing. Socioeconomic factors also play a role in this inclination. Men in many African societies play pivotal roles as breadwinners and decision-makers. Having a son may provide a family a helping hand in the fields or with other types of farm work.

The male offspring is prized for his potential to provide for the family and advance their standard of living. Furthermore, the traditional expectation that a son will care for his elderly parents is strong. One possible explanation is that after being married, women are socialized to leave their parents’ houses but males are still expected to provide for them.

The importance of having sons is elevated because of the widespread notion that males are more reliable and responsible than daughters when it comes to providing for their elderly parents. Land is also traditionally transmitted through the male line in various African societies. Having a son guarantees that the family’s land and other possessions will stay in the male line. The assumption that boys are crucial to the well-being of the family is reinforced by this view. Having a son is seen as a social and economic boon to the family in various African societies. Fathers frequently take pride in their sons’ achievements and value the social standing that comes with raising a son.

The societal value of having a son might occasionally outweigh the child’s real worth. The family treasures it so much that they want to save it for future generations. Some undesirable outcomes have resulted from the cultural desire for male offspring in Africa. Parents who don’t have sons are typically looked down upon, and mothers of all-girls families are often disowned by their partners. As a result, discrimination against women and other forms of injustice have persisted in many African communities.

Also, many African countries have a serious problem with sex-selective abortions because of the push to have male offspring. Recent developments in medical science have encouraged this practice by allowing expecting parents to find out their child’s gender in utero. As a result, fewer females are being born, which might lead to demographic shifts and societal issues down the line.

In conclusion, cultural beliefs and customs in Africa are at the heart of the preference for male offspring. African couples have a strong preference for male offspring for a variety of reasons, including cultural, historical, and economic ones. Some unintended effects of this desire include discrimination based on gender and sex-selective abortions. To advance gender equality and a more balanced society, it is crucial to identify and solve these fundamental problems.