The Influence of Social Media Discussion on Son Preference in Azerbaijan: Reinforcing Norms, Bargaining With Patriarchy, Space for Dissent

Authors

  • Katy E. Pearce University of Washington
  • Dana Donohoe University of Washington
  • Kristen Barta University of Michigan
  • Jessica Vitak University of Maryland

Keywords:

Azerbaijan, son preference, male preference, social media, social norms

Abstract

Son preference and sex selection of fetuses is a feminist issue, as reproductive choices are tied to women’s agency. We present a study of women in Azerbaijan, where a strong norm of son preference dominates reproductive decisions. Having a male child is one of the few ways of increasing women’s power. We find that women-only social media groups’ discussion of son preference and sex-selective behaviors provide women with exposure to others conforming to norms, some that reluctantly conform to norms, as well as those who deviate from son-preference norms. We posit that exposure to more attitudes may have an effect on social norms related to son preference.

Author Biographies

Katy E. Pearce, University of Washington

Associate ProfessorDepartment of CommunicationUniversity of WashingtonBox 353740Seattle, WA 98195-3740kepearce@uw.edu802-310-4596

Dana Donohoe, University of Washington

Graduate studentDepartment of CommunicationUniversity of WashingtonBox 353740Seattle, WA 98195-3740ddonohoe@uw.edu

Kristen Barta, University of Michigan

postdocSchool of InformationUniversity of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI 48109-1285krbarta@umich.edu

Jessica Vitak, University of Maryland

associate professorInformation StudiesUniversity of MarylandCollege Park, MD 20742jvitak@umd.edu

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Published

2022-04-24

Issue

Vol. 16 (2022)

Section

Articles

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