Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 280 words written
Comment on the influence of social and cultural factors on family planning in India.
Opening · a figure
Recently India achieved TFR of 2.1. India is the 1st country to adopt Nation wide family planning measures. Still the delays calls for its sociological Analysis.
Body · points
Influence of social on family planning
- Rise in social inequalities - Especially Economic & lack of educational access (Cultural reproduction - Pierre Bourdieu).
- Families end up having more kids which act as helping hands in getting Economy. Though which is not true as it increases cost of expenditure too.
The general Progeny of 'Patriarchal society' looking for 'Male child' for Progeny to carry on family name, property & take care of old, which results in Unwanted girl, son meta preference as both sexes have equal chance in reproduction.
Lack of Health infrastructure in early days → Hence end up multiple kids even if one is succumbed to the above reason the family continues. Gendered family planning procedures.
Influence of Cultural factor (95% female)
- Kids are the Gift of god; hence it is wrong to go for family planning procedure
- Backing of Religious beliefs via literature
Eg: Manusmriti which has given role of 'Good Mother & honest wife' for women.
- Whereby honest wife should submit herself to the demands of her husband.
- Huge differences in cultures Eg: Muslims → have high number of kids because their laws doesn't proscribe any such.
Close · a way forward
Despite the various influences, we reached 2.1 TFR but however there are cases of higher TFR in some states & illiterate women Eg: 3.0 in class 1 educate women. Measures like Gendered family planning procedure should be made accesible; creation of awareness regarding use of contraceptives; improve health care infrastructure as the need of the hour.