"Son-preference" in the patriarchal belt obviously leads to a shortage of brides in the marriage market later. Wear aneconomist's hat to explain why some countries consistently prefer boys to girls. Don't the parents know that the sons cannot find their mates in the marriage market when they grow up if the whole country prefers sons to daughters? Why aren't the girls valued more if there is such a shortage of girls? Is the son-preference rational?

(a) Comment on the rationality of son-preference keeping in mind the socioeconomics circumstances.

(b) What should be the right policy to address this issue?