An evolutionary model of prenatal and postnatal discrimination against females

Discrimination against born and unborn females is a well-documented phenomenon in countries such as India, China, Taiwan or Korea. Empirical studies support both additive and substitutive relationships between prenatal and postnatal discriminatory practices against females. We introduce a theoretical evolutionary model that endogenizes the preference for sons in a society, and consequently, can explain why one type of relationship or the other emerges in a society. •We propose an evolutionary model of prenatal and postnatal sex-discrimination.•The model assumes that societal son preference is endogenous.•We analyze the effect of gaining access to sex-selective abortion technologies.•We characterize the type of relationship (substitutive or additive) in each society.•A rise in societal son preference is necessary to obtain an additive relationship.