Sex Bias in the Family Allocation of Food and Health Care in Rural Bangladesh

This study examines the behavioral antecedents to the higher female than male mortality from shortly after birth through the childbearing ages in a rural area of Bangladesh. A framework is presented in which the intermediate variables through which sex-biased attitudes and practices might operate to affect health, nutrition, and mortality are postulated. The malnutrition rate was found to be substantially higher among female children than among male children. In-depth dietary surveys showed that males consistently consumed more calories and proteins than females at all ages, even when nutrient requirements due to varying body weight, pregnancy, lactation, and activity levels were considered. Although child infection rates were similar between sexes, utilization of health care services at a free treatment unit showed marked male preferences. Implications for policy formulation and program implementation are discussed in the conclusion.

Reference:

Chen, L. C., Huq, E., & d’Souza, S. (1981). Sex bias in the family allocation of food and health care in rural Bangladesh. Population and development review, 55-70.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/1972764?seq=1#fndtn-page_scan_tab_contents