Value of Children and Fertility Behaviour in a Family System among Scheduled Tribes of Jharkhand

Abstract (English)

Parental perception of children is a mediator variable and an important motivational factor that plays a pertinent role in reproductive decision-making and family size goals, as reflected in the contemporary family system. The fertility pattern across the social strata and factors influencing it have been accounted for at various levels, leaving scope to understand from a socio analytical level the reasons that motivate fertility performances at an individual family level. Understanding that the reasons behind every childbearing are highly complex, with several social-psychological motivating factors, ranging from choosing to be pregnant as a marital obligation and social prestige to generational continuity. This draws our attention to comprehend personal attitudes and values associated with choosing marriage, contraception, retention, or abortion of pregnancy. Therefore, the actual purpose behind this book has been to examine reproductive outcomes and variations attached to the value of children across generations as the function of family. The study attempts to understand the meaning of children for parents in a marriage and family life. With limited existing literature on fertility among ethnic communities, the study initiates a multi-centric understanding of the transformation of fertility and the family system based on the conceptual model of the value of children. It reflects upon the complexity of the social system and the inherent gendered power imbalance that functions behind couples' fertility intentions. This book is based on the research study conducted on three tribes of Jharkhand (Ho, Korwa, and Chero) at different socio-economic statuses. The book portrays the intrinsic diversity among the so-called 'culturally homogeneous' community to a certain degree.