earticle

영어

This qualitative study sought to explore the motivations behind sex-selective abortion among Indian immigrants in the United States. Using a theoretical framework incorporating social learning theory and self-determination theory, the research design consisted of semi-structured interviews of 20 married Indian immigrant women. Based on an analysis of these interviews, the following emergent themes were discovered: The extrinsic motivation was “Money”, “Education (lack of)”, “Familial Pressure”, and the introjected motivation was “Problems for and from Girls”, “Dowry”, “Familial Preference”, and identified motivation was “Familial Ties”, “Inheritance”, “Son’s Duty”, “Name Carried Forward”, and the intrinsic motivation was “Want a Boy”. Theoretical and social work practice implications based on the findings of the study were discussed. Based on the researcher’s findings, there remains a great deal of opportunity for future studies to provide more insight into this phenomenon. Beyond researching this specific issue, the researcher recommends a continued focus on women’s rights issues within the United States.