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Channels of Social Influence on Reproduction

Channels of Social Influence on Reproduction The article investigates the different types of social mechanisms responsible for the interdependence of couples' reproductive preferences predicted by diffusion models of fertility and family behavior. We analyze the transcripts of in-depth interviews carried out with 54 women in the northern part of Italy. The rich information on observations and conversations about fertility and family choices with relatives and peers enables us to distinguish four different ways in which social interaction influences reproductive preferences, namely social learning, social pressure, subjective obligation and contagion. Second, we show how the efficacy of each mechanism affecting fertility behavior depends on the kind and the structure of personal relationships involved in the interaction. Finally, we discuss the ways in which individual attitudes and values associated with the transition to parenthood are produced and negotiated in face-to-face interactions, and the importance of focusing on the process of preference-formationand modification for understanding fertility behavior. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Population Research and Policy Review Springer Journals

Channels of Social Influence on Reproduction

Bernardi, Laura
Population Research and Policy Review , Volume 22 (6) – Oct 17, 2004
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References (46)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 by Kluwer Academic Publishers
Subject
Geography; Demography; Economic Policy; Population Economics
ISSN
0167-5923
eISSN
1573-7829
DOI
10.1023/B:POPU.0000020892.15221.44
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The article investigates the different types of social mechanisms responsible for the interdependence of couples' reproductive preferences predicted by diffusion models of fertility and family behavior. We analyze the transcripts of in-depth interviews carried out with 54 women in the northern part of Italy. The rich information on observations and conversations about fertility and family choices with relatives and peers enables us to distinguish four different ways in which social interaction influences reproductive preferences, namely social learning, social pressure, subjective obligation and contagion. Second, we show how the efficacy of each mechanism affecting fertility behavior depends on the kind and the structure of personal relationships involved in the interaction. Finally, we discuss the ways in which individual attitudes and values associated with the transition to parenthood are produced and negotiated in face-to-face interactions, and the importance of focusing on the process of preference-formationand modification for understanding fertility behavior.

Journal

Population Research and Policy Review – Springer Journals

Published: Oct 17, 2004

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