Kinship networks and contraception in rural Bangladesh

Kaberi Gayen, Napier University
Robert Raeside, Napier University

Using data collected from over 700 women in seven villages of rural Bangladesh the influence of social networks on fertility behaviour was analysed while controlling for socio-economic and demographic variables. Incorporating social network variables increased the explanatory power of models constructed. It was found that women on the periphery or isolated from these networks tended not to practice family planning. Those who were most connected were the most likely users of contraception. In analysing the patterns of cliques in these networks it was discovered that these were largely composed of sister-in-laws, i.e. Ja networks. The strongest association of these kinship networks approval in explaining women's contraceptive use demonstrates the importance of family networks to the practice of contraception and continuation of fertility decline in Bangladesh.