Jenny wrote:
> And what exactly is that male motivation to have a large number of children
> (sons) if these are not contributing economically and it's a hardship to feed
> them? These concerns I listed impinge on both men and women. Other things
> impinge mostly on women, but not the factors I mentioned.
It's probably largely cultural, varying between countries and areas. Fathers want heirs in societies in which only men can "truly" inherit property and position -- and one has to keep trying in order to make sure that a son is born and actually survives. (The daughter can inherit, as with Queens Mary and Elizabeth, but it's uncomfortable and may require legal/theological gymnastics.) Sons are useful in war and status competition. Many see them as more useful in farming in the pre-tractor era (since they typically have more upper-body strength). Daughters can be "married off," but an expensive dowry may be required. Etc.
in general, the logic is the same as that behind targetted infanticides in China (killing female fetuses). -- Jim Devine / "Sanity is a madness put to good use." -- George Santayana.