A global end-of-year survey conducted across 44 countries with nearly 45,000 respondents reveals that attitudes toward gender preference in children are shifting toward greater neutrality. When asked: "Suppose you could have only one child. Would you prefer that it be a boy or a girl, or is gender irrelevant?", the majority globally (65 %) indicated that gender is irrelevant. However, deeper analysis shows that this neutrality is not evenly distributed.

The global survey was conducted in between October 2024 and February 2025 among 44,783 scientifically selected men and women, on average a sample of 1000 in each polled nation.

Key Findings

The key findings from the survey data are the following:

1. Country-wise differences: Country-wise breakdown reveals stark contrasts in gender preference across countries. The top five nations with the highest preference for a boy child are India (39 %), Philippines (35 %), Ecuador (24 %), China (24 %), and United Kingdom (21 %). On the other hand, the highest preference for a girl child was recorded in Republic of Korea (28 %), Japan (26 %), Spain (26 %), Philippines (26 %) and Bangladesh (23 %). Meanwhile, gender neutrality was most strongly expressed in Mexico (84 %), Georgia (82 %), Denmark (81 %), Sweden (81 %), and Armenia (78 %).
2. Gender differences: The survey found distinct differences between men and women. Men were more likely to prefer having a boy (20 %) compared to women (12 %). Conversely, 19 % of women expressed a preference for having a girl, while only 12 % of men said the same. Despite these variations, a majority in both groups — 66 % of women and 64 % of men — indicated that the gender of the child is irrelevant, showing that gender neutrality is now the dominant view across genders.
3. Education differences: Education was a strong predictor of gender-neutral views. Respondents with low education had the highest preference for boys (17 %). In contrast, those with higher education were significantly more likely to say that gender does not matter (65 %). 
4. National income differences: National income levels also influenced preferences. In low-income countries, 19 % of respondents still preferred a boy, and only 61 % said gender is irrelevant. In contrast, middle-income countries reported 16 % boy preference, with 66 % indicating gender neutrality. High-income countries showed the lowest boy preference (14 %) and indifference to child gender (66 %), indicating that economic development correlates with more egalitarian views.
5. Regional differences: Regional differences were particularly striking. Preference for boys was highest in Southeast Asia (24 %), followed by the Arab World (20 %), and North America (20 %). Western and Eastern Europe reported the lowest boy preferences at 13 % and 12 % respectively. When it came to preference for girls, Northeast Asia led with 25 %, followed by South Asia at 18 %. Western Europe also stood out, with 16 % of respondents expressing a preference for a girl. Gender-neutral responses were most common in Eastern Europe (71 %), followed by Western Europe (68 %), Latin America, Africa and West Asia (66 % each), and the Arab World (64 %) and North America (62 %). In contrast, gender neutrality was lowest in Northeast Asia (53 %) and Southeast Asia (54 %).

These findings suggest that while the world is moving towards greater gender equality in family preferences, deep-rooted cultural and socio-economic factors continue to shape individual attitudes. Traditional preferences — particularly for boys — remain strong in some regions, especially where educational and economic indicators are lower.

Commentary on poll findings

by Michael Nitsche, President Gallup International Association in Vienna, Johny Heald, Board Member GIA in London and Bilal Gilani, Board Member GIA in Islamabad: 

“The survey highlights both encouraging signs of progress and enduring cultural norms. While a majority globally embrace gender neutrality, targeted efforts are still needed to address persistent biases—especially in regions and demographic groups where boy preference remains high.”

Note to Editors

Sample Size and Mode of Field Work:
A total of 44,783 persons were interviewed globally in 44 countries for this question. In each country a representative sample of around 1000 men and women was interviewed during October 2024 — February 2025 either face to face, via telephone or online.  The margin of error for most country level surveys is between ±3 — 5 % at 95 % confidence level. For more details regarding methodology please contact: Bilal I Gilani, Board Member Gallup International on email: bilal.gilani@~@gallup.com.pk

About Gallup International

Gallup International Association (GIA) is the leading global independent association in market research and opinion polling. For over 75 years Gallup International members have demonstrated their expert ability to conduct multi-country surveys on a comparable basis and deliver the highest quality. Our more than 100 members and partners are leading national institutes with a profound local knowledge of research methods and techniques, statistical sources, customs, and culture differences of its own country and carefully selected by the Association Board. With only one member agency per country, members work together on a daily basis to share knowledge, new research techniques and tools, as well as to provide the most appropriate solutions to international research projects and service our clients to the best of our abilities.