Daughter
A female offspring; a girl or woman in relation to her parents.
A daughter is a female child—a girl or woman—in relation to her parents. The state of being a daughter is called daughterhood, and the male equivalent is a son. Biologically, a daughter is a first-degree relative. The term can also refer to a female descendant or blood relation, and it is sometimes used as a term of endearment by an older person.
In patriarchal societies, daughters often have fewer or different family rights than sons. Some families may prefer sons and practice female infanticide. In certain cultures, a daughter is customarily “sold” to her husband through a bride price, while the reverse practice—where the bride’s family pays the groom—is known as a dowry.
In the United States, the natural birth rate since the 1700s has been 105 sons for every 100 daughters. Among prospective adoptive parents, there is a slight preference for girls. In fertility clinics that allow sex selection, daughters are generally preferred over sons. In Abrahamic religious traditions, Luluwa is considered the first daughter.
The role of the daughter is a key theme in literature, particularly in exploring family relationships and gender roles. By examining how parents influence a child’s character and personality, readers can see the effects of different parenting styles. Notable literary daughters whose development is shaped by their parents are listed below.
- definition
- Female offspring
- male counterpart
- Son
- biological relation
- First degree relative
- first daughter in Abrahamic tradition
- Luluwa
- adoption preference (US)
- Slight preference for girls over boys
- fertility clinic preference
- Daughters usually preferred over sons
Lore & Background
In patriarchal societies, daughters often have different or lesser familial rights than sons. A family may prefer to have sons rather than daughters and subject daughters to female infanticide. In some societies, it is the custom for a daughter to be 'sold' to her husband, who must pay a bride price. The reverse custom, where the parents pay the husband a sum of money to compensate for the financial burden of the woman, is known as a dowry.
Reader's Guide
The role of the daughter has been an important theme in literature, especially when exploring relationships between family members and gender roles. Through exploration of the relationship between children and their parents, readers can draw conclusions about the impact of parenting style on the growth and development of a child's character and personality. Notable daughters whose character and development has been impacted by their parents in literature have been recorded. Prospective parents seeking to adopt a child display a slight preference for girls over boys, and in fertility clinics that enable sex preferences, daughters are usually preferred over sons. In the traditions of various Abrahamic religions, Luluwa is regarded as the first daughter to have ever existed.
Did You Know?
- The male counterpart of a daughter is a son.
- In Abrahamic traditions, Luluwa is regarded as the first daughter to have ever existed.
- In some societies, a daughter may be 'sold' to her husband, who must pay a bride price.
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