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