Gender and population: theoretical and methodological issues

Most research on transgender healthcare is based on small, nonprobability samples. Since many transgender people are reluctant to participate in studies, a transgender task force and university research group worked together as full partners to assess provision of transgender health services in a southern US state. Online and paper questionnaires were used for a statewide health assessment. The hypothesis that sample characteristics and findings would vary by response mode was tested (N=350). 61% responded online; 39% completed paper forms. Modality differences in sociodemographics, geography, and public health indicators were explored, using SAS, sign. set at .05. Online respondents were significantly older, had higher incomes, were 4 times as likely to finish high school, 2-5 times more likely to have health insurance. Online responders were primarily Caucasian (85%); the paper sample was promarilty racial/ethnic minorities (71%). Public health indicators (substance abuse and mental health) did not vary by response mode; higher percentages of paper responders experienced sexual violence.

Previous studies of gender preference were usually based on a gender discrimination approach. This approach identifies son preference with gender preference, and the causes of gender preference explained most through parents’ side. The primary purpose of this study is to provide an alternative theory of gender preference.
For this study, the value of children(VOC) is defined at the macro level, based on the Coleman’s Rational Choice Model. VOC consists of three elements-(1) the child capital, (2) the resources in which the child has interests but parents control, and (3) parent’s power. The first element is related to the demand side of the value of children: the side of parents who determine the resources in which they have interests but children control. The second and third elements explain why children of a particular gender provide their parents with child capital and how parents ensure they will obtain that capital. If these three elements of the value of children tend to concentrate in children of a particular gender, then the value of children of that gender is assumed to be higher than that of the other gender. Also the value of children of a particular gender is determined by the family strategy whereby individuals use their kin in the historical and cultural contexts of the society in which they live.

This paper uses a modeling approach to answer the question: "to what extent can strategies that focus on women and girls benefit health and development outcomes, including child survival, maternal mortality, family planning, and general economic development?"
An empirically-based model was developed that links women-centered program strategies to health and development outcomes. To develop the model statistical relationships were established between key indicators using international cross-section data. Inputs include indicators on women’s education, family planning effort, women’s empowerment and proximate fertility determinants. The human development Index (HDI) was used as a quality of life and development organizing framework for outcomes since it includes education, life expectancy and income per capita. Additional outputs include standard demographic variables as well as child survival and maternal health indicators.
Results from Mali show that women-centered strategies have a positive impact on development and health outcomes. Similarly, family planning strategies have positive effects. When both strategies are implemented simultaneously synergies are realized and the gains