As times change, global perceptions of gender preference are shifting, with an increasing number of parents preferring to have daughters. According to a recent survey in Japan, the percentage of parents preferring to have daughters has risen from less than half in the 1980s to 75% after 2000. Similarly, in South Korea, the proportion of women who believe it is necessary to have sons has dropped from 48% in 1985 to just 6% today, with nearly half of women now hoping to have daughters.

In Taiwan, the sex ratio at birth has decreased from 1.108 twenty years ago to an expected 1.070 in 2024, indicating a gradual decline in traditional male preference. Many parents believe girls are more obedient and affectionate, and societal emphasis on continuing the family line has diminished, leading younger parents to seek emotional value from their children.

Expectant father Kevin recalls the joy he felt during each prenatal checkup, unable to hide his excitement when seeing the ultrasound image. He and his wife have prepared mostly neutral baby clothes, but they secretly hope for a caring daughter. Observing experiences from colleagues and friends, Kevin noted that boys tend to be more mischievous while girls are usually more disciplined, thus they lean towards wishing for a baby girl. Fortunately, their elders have open-minded attitudes towards the sex of the child and do not impose specific expectations.

Wang Cuiying, the executive director of a postpartum care center, emphasizes that the proportion of parents who prefer girls has indeed increased, as she frequently hears mothers express joy at the prospect of dressing up their daughters and preparing various items. However, Taiwan's fertility rate remains concerning, reported at only 1.08 in 2022, with a slight rebound to 1.11 projected for 2024, yet the total fertility rate currently stands at only 0.8 and may set new lows in 2025.

Finally, counseling psychologist Yeh Beichen asserts that when the purpose of childbirth is no longer focused on continuing the family line, most parents desire emotional connections with their children. Many parents hope their daughters will grow up to spend time with them, reflecting a yearning for emotional closeness. The old stereotype that only men can take on responsibilities or achieve greater success in the workplace is gradually dissipating, with many believing that daughters can provide more care and patience. Yeh believes that while the trend of preferring daughters is rising, it is not that more people want girls, but rather that voices advocating for daughters are becoming more expressive and heard.