Determinants of High Fertility

Several factors contribute to the high fertility of Indian women. Let us examine some of these factors:

a) Religious Ideologies

b) Universality of the institution of marriage.

c) Early marriage and early child-bearing.

d) Preference for sons ingrained in the Indian culture.

e) Lack of right of self-determination with reference to reproduction.

f) High infant and child mortality rates - (unsatisfactory health, low nutritional status and poverty) also contribute to a large family size.

g) Economic, social, cultural as well as religious value of children in the Indian society.

h) Absence of adoption of methods of conception control.

It is important that none of these factors is to be seen in isolation. Indeed, it is the combination of several factors that contribute towards the high fertility rate in India.

While considering the factors contributing to high fertility, it is also necessary to consider traditional Indian norms which regulate the reproductive behavior of couples. Breast-feeding is universally practiced in Indian sub-continent and this has an inhibiting influence on conception. Certain taboos are also practiced during the postpartum period when the couple is expected to abstain from sexual activity. The practice of going to the parental home for delivery, specially the first one, common in some parts of the country also ensures abstinence after childbirth leading to postponement of the next pregnancy. Cohabitation is also prohibited on certain specified days in the month. It is also common knowledge that a woman would be ridiculed if she continued to bear children after she had become a grandmother.