The role of social networks in fertility decline in Kenya

Abstract

This dissertation examines the role of social interaction in the diffusion of new ideas about family size and spread of fertility control in Kenya. Kenya has undergone a dramatic and puzzling fertility decline since 1989, a process that was not anticipated. Since the transition happened at a time when factors that are usually associated with such a decline were absent, such as, socioeconomic development, this study set out to investigate the possible influence of social interactions on fertility change in Kenya. The study utilizes data derived from survey research in Kenya. Two districts, Muranga and Kakamega were surveyed. One of the findings of this study is that both men and women are talking to their relatives, friends and neighbors about family planning and other issues related to fertility behavior, something that was not custom before. More specifically, social networks are found to be important in modifying fertility behavior in Kenya. Another important finding is that contrary to family planning program focus on women, men's. .social networks turned out to be more important in some cases in influencing fertility behavior than women's social networks. The ongoing fertility decline in Kenya is therefore driven, to a large part, by the changing attitudes of men towards large families. In general, this study shows that people tend to enact behaviors that they believe arc supported by other members of the community. The knowledge that others are engaging in a new behavior minimizes anxiety and costs associated with its adoption since there is already evidence in the community that the behavior is acceptable .