Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 166 words written
Opening · a definition
Family planning refers to deciding on size, composition of family based on number of children, gaps between them and so on.
Influence of social and cultural factors:-
Body · points
- Religion and culture direct that a role of woman is fulfilled only by giving birth to a son. This creates a meta male preference resulting in higher fertility.
- Burden on contraception is much higher on women due to notions of preserving male's masculinity. As per NFHS-5, tubectomy rates are ten times higher from vasectomy.
- Value of women's health gain traction after gaining education.
- When society and state support smaller family, it leads to reduction in family size. e.g → 'Hum do hamaare do' campaigns.
- Further one's caste and class also decides family size. As per Census 2011, households having lower income have higher number of children.
- Due to high premium placed on children as economic assets, there is higher fertility in rural areas.
Close · a summary
Family planning though a demographic phenomenon is social in operation.