Overview

Do mothers determine the sex of the infant? Research shows that women who score highly on personality questionnaires designed to measure dominance are more likely than less dominant women to conceive sons. Based on the author's research, this book examines the evidence and discusses the implications of the findings. Whether mothers have sons or daughters may not be a matter of chance. It may depend on which sex infant the mother is more suited to raise.

Full Product Details

9780415158800

Table of Contents

Reviews

Grant has produced a well thought and coherent hypothesis on the effects that maternal personality could have on the human sex ratios. The literary format of the text provides what can be complex data in an interesting and informative manner that will engage with both an academic and general audience. The core concepts of the maternal dominance hypothesis are well explored throughout the book and are supported by valid research findings... Grant's considerations of the ethics and implications of attempts to alter human sex ratio by artificial means also make very engaging and thought-provoking reading. In conclusion I believe the text would be of interest to a variety of audiences, from evolutionary psychologists to reproductive physiologists, because of the breadth of empirical work studied and the consideration given to the implications of the theory and peripheral issues involving the human sex ratio. In short a well written book and highly recommended. - Mark Sergeant, The Nottingham Trent University, in 'Human Nature Review'

""Grant has produced a well thought and coherent hypothesis on the effects that maternal personality could have on the human sex ratios. The literary format of the text provides what can be complex data in an interesting and informative manner that will engage with both an academic and general audience. The core concepts of the maternal dominance hypothesis are well explored throughout the book and are supported by valid research findings... Grant's considerations of the ethics and implications of attempts to alter human sex ratio by artificial means also make very engaging and thought-provoking reading. In conclusion I believe the text would be of interest to a variety of audiences, from evolutionary psychologists to reproductive physiologists, because of the breadth of empirical work studied and the consideration given to the implications of the theory and peripheral issues involving the human sex ratio. In short a well written book and highly recommended."" - Mark Sergeant, The Nottingham Trent University, in 'Human Nature Review'

Author Information

Valerie J. Grant is Lecturer in Behavioural Science at the School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

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