Why do some couples have more children than they actually wanted? Hindrances to family planning
Sastry, K.R.
Bulletin 17-18: 34-50
1982
PMID: 12341196 Document Number: 423275
This paper examines factors responsible for the discrepancy between desired fertility and actual fertility. Given the fact that some couples desire a certain number of children what prevents them from stopping with the number preferred? Stated in this fashion the question covers the general problem of discrepancy between desired and actual fertility. Couples who state that they do not want any more children but fail to practice contraception form a sub-group. There are not many studies expressly dealing with this special case; hence the authors addressed the general problem of discrepancy between desired and actual fertility. 8 major factors that contribute to the discrepancy between family size desires and fertility are 1) husband-wife differences on fertility desires, 2) husband-wife differences on contraception, 3) conflicting influences from in-laws, workers, adopters, and other significant persons, 4) conflict between personal and social norms relating to family size and contraception, 5) the accessibility of acceptable contraceptives, 6) changes in family socioeconomic conditions, 7) inappropriate family planning educational strategies, and 8) inappropriate service facilities.