Two-daughter households report greater happiness than son-only households in China

In many parts of the world, the birth of a boy is celebrated as a blessing, while the birth of a girl is still viewed as a burden. The disturbing prevalence of female feticide bears witness to this inequality. In countries like China and India, deeply rooted cultural beliefs often place greater value on sons because they are expected to support their parents in old age and carry on the family name. Yet when scientists looked at the numbers, they found that what tradition says should bring parents happiness does not necessarily match what actually does.