The spelling of the word "sex selection" is straightforward, with each word pronounced as expected. However, the pronunciation of the second word may be confusing for some due to the presence of the sequence "ct". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is represented as /sɛks səˈlɛkʃən/. The "ct" is pronounced as a simple "t" sound and the stress is on the second syllable of "selection". Overall, the spelling and pronunciation of the term are relatively easy to understand for English speakers.
Sex selection refers to the deliberate and planned choice of the sex of an offspring prior to conception or during pregnancy, often for non-medical reasons. It involves methods or techniques aimed at increasing the likelihood of conceiving a child of a specific sex, typically desired by the parents or for cultural, social, or economic reasons.
Sex selection can be achieved through various means, such as preconception methods like sperm sorting, or through medical techniques during the process of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). These include methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or other sex-determining methods such as pre-implantation embryo screening (PIES).
The motivation behind sex selection can vary across cultures and individuals. Some parents may desire a particular sex due to cultural or social reasons, such as a preference for male offspring for inheritance purposes or a cultural bias towards one gender. Others may seek sex selection for family balancing, aiming to achieve an equal number of male and female children within their family unit.
It is important to note that sex selection has raised ethical and moral concerns due to potential gender discrimination, reinforcing gender stereotypes, and the potential for disproportionate sex ratios in certain regions. Additionally, sex selection can have complex social and demographic implications, affecting the balance between male and female populations. Consequently, the practice of sex selection is subject to legal regulations in many countries.
The etymology of the word "sex selection" can be broken down as follows:
1. Sex: "Sex" is derived from the Latin word "sexus", which refers to the biological distinction between male and female organisms. It entered the English language around the late 14th century.
2. Selection: "Selection" comes from the Latin word "selectus", the past participle of "seligere", which means "to choose" or "to pick out". This term has been used in the English language since the early 17th century.
When these two words, "sex" and "selection", are combined, they form the compound term "sex selection". It generally refers to the process of choosing or determining the sex of offspring, often associated with methods used in reproductive technologies or selective breeding in animals.