social mobility and reproductive behaviour

Research Abstract

Abstract: The present study aims to identify the impact of social mobility through its mechanisms and various types on Reproductive Behavior (age at first marriage, frequencies of pregnancy and the reproductive ages, Children Ever born, Total fertility rate, birth intervals, Ideal Family size, practice of breastfeeding, use of family planning, timing of use, and the type of methods used ). In order to achieve the above- mentioned aims, and test hypotheses of the present study, the researcher depends on a social survey of all married Women aged (15-49), in the village of Al Zawya Al Khadra, South of al Fashn city in Bine- Suief governorate. The survey included (494) women. Moreover, the researcher relies on a comparative approach; through the analysis of the three pattern of social mobility (Upward– downward- nonmobilites) and their impact positively or negatively on fertility behavior. Furthermore, the researcher, depends on a number of techniques of data collection such as questionnaire, in-depth interviews, direct observation and analysis of documents and records. Finally main the results of the study can be summarized as follows: Intergenerational upward occupational mobility is inversely associated with some indicators of reproductive behavior (total fertility rate- The current situation of pregnancy- Ideal number of children ever born- The desire to have more children). Intergenerational downward occupational mobility is inversely related with some indicators (age at first marriage, The period of married life, the period between first marriage and first birth, the period between first and second birth, the ideal period between births, current and previous use a method of family planning, use the modern method). And Intergenerational occupation not associate with (the prefer time to productive). Intragenerational upward occupational mobility inversely is associate with some indicators of reproductive behavior (total fertility rate- The desire to have more children). Intragenerational downward occupation mobility is inversely associated with (age at first marriage- the period between first and second birth- the ideal period between births- current and previous use a method of family planning). Intrageneration occupational mobility is not associated with marital stability, ideal number of Children, and use modern contraceptive methods. Upward educational mobility is inversely associated with some indicators of reproductive behavior (number of Children ever born- The desire to have children soon after marriage directly- ideal number of children- The desire to have more children- the period between first marriage and first birth). Downward educational mobility is inversely related with some indicators (age at first marriage- Marital stability- The period of married life- the period between first and second birth- ideal birth interval- attitudes towards the use of family planning- current and previous use a method of family planning). It is not associated with (ideal number of Children- use the modern method- sharing fertility decisions).

Research Keywords

social mobility and reproductive behaviour