Gender and cultural influences on reproductive decision-making and fertility trends in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

<p> </p> <p>This thesis presents a critical examination of dynamic fertility trends and reproductive</p> <p>behaviour in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is established through the following four objectives: to</p> <p>establish a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between gender system and</p> <p>reproductive behaviour; to determine the role of cultural, religion and social networks in</p> <p>influencing family planning decisions; to analyse the changes that occurred in fertility trends in</p> <p>a period of 8 years (2005-2013); and to describe the function of using innovative methods in</p> <p>achieving such a sensitive study in a conservative society. This study applied a mixed</p> <p>methodology, including a repeated questionnaire survey over a period of 8 years, and in-depth</p> <p>interviews. It was found that an early age of marriage is common and regarded as advantageous</p> <p>to the future of women. Moreover, this study reveals that Saudis place great and high value on</p> <p>children, as children represent the flow of wealth from children to parents. Thus, the preferred</p> <p>family size is relatively large (4 children) and both parents have a preference for male children.</p> <p>Moreover, the study reveals that the traditional division of labour assigns women the</p> <p>responsibility of taking care of children. Also, it was found that even though many women</p> <p>found difficulties in discussing reproductive issues with their spouse, discussing fertility issues</p> <p>reduced family size. Men are predominantly in control of reproductive decision-making in the</p> <p>family, although when fertility decisions were mutual, family size declined. A higher</p> <p>socioeconomic status promoted shared fertility decisions. Further, this study shows that there is</p> <p>a high level of diffusion of contraceptive knowledge and practices among study respondents</p> <p>and their social networks. However, planning family size is not a very common practice among</p> <p>study respondents and having a large family is seen to be complying with a religious Islamic</p> <p>duty, and reflects pride toward kinship relationships. It was also found that the extended family</p> <p>provides a supporting motive for parents to have a large family. However, the latest survey, of</p> <p>2013, revealed some positive changes in gender structure that could contribute to greater</p> <p>gender equality, such as a rise in the age of marriage for both genders, more involvement of</p> <p>males in household responsibility, an increase in mutual decision-making and practice of</p> <p>planning for family size.</p>