Why many Nigerian families still prefer sons to daughters

Patriarchal traditions remain the main driver of son preference in some Nigerian families, Peoples Gazette reports.

The report says sons are often expected to carry the family name, inherit property and sustain the lineage.

It outlines nine key points:

1. Meaning: Son preference is valuing male children above female children.
2. Roots: Patriarchy, lineage, inheritance and societal pressure drive the practice.
3. Daughters’ worth: Girls may be seen as secondary because they marry into other families.
4. Parental love: Some parents cherish daughters but still desire sons due to tradition.
5. Inheritance: Property often passes through male lines, leaving widows and daughters vulnerable.
6. Leadership: Men are traditionally seen as better suited to lead families.
7. Consequences: Girls may develop low self-esteem, boys entitlement, and siblings resentment.
8. Changing values: Education, technology and globalisation are challenging rigid gender roles.
9. Parents’ role: Parents can challenge the bias by valuing children regardless of gender.

The report concludes that a child’s worth should depend on who they are, not their gender.