Journal of Applied Sciences1812-56541812-5662Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jas.2002.1044.1049ZafarM. Iqbal Fawad Asif Haq Nawaz Anwer 112002211The main objective of the study is to examine the prevalence of sex preference and its causes within the socio-economic and cultural framework along with the parents material and non-materials expectation of help from their male children. 360 women aged 25-45 years with at least one living child residing in the rural areas of three major district of the Punjab Province Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan, were interviewed. The analysis of the data identified the prevalence of son preference and sex discrimination in the selected areas. Preference for boys is explained in social, economic, psychological and cultural context and this irrational attitude towards family preference has health implications. Material and non-material expectation of parents from their sons seem a prime reason for preferring sons over daughters in Pakistan. Islam condemns all forms of gender discriminations and preferential treatment. It is recommended that people should be informed about the Islamic teachings of marriage, procreation, husband and wife roles, family size and sex preference (sex discrimination) along with the parents responsibilities in upbringing the children as prescribed in Islam. The parents should also take into account their own circumstances, as well as the implications of their decisions for the balanced development of the children and the society.]]>Ahmed, N.R.,198112100109Cleland, J., J. Verrall and M. Vaessen,1983Freedman, R. and L.C. Coombs,1974Fawcett, J.T.,19831983pp: 429-457pp: 429-457Hull, T.H.,19831983pp: 381-414pp: 381-414Hoffman, L.W. and J.D. Hoffman,19831983pp: 19-76pp: 19-76Kim, N.I.L. and B.M. Choi,1981Lee, R.D. and R.A. Bulatao,19831983pp: 233-285pp: 233-285Ministry of Education,1998Pullum, T.W.,19831983pp: 344-368pp: 344-368Population Census Report,19811981Ramu, G.N.,1988Seklani, M.,19671967pp: 94-99pp: 94-99World Bank,1998Zafar, M.I.,19931993Zafar, M.I., N. Ford and A. Ankomah,199527301318