Exploring the Mechanisms Through Which Social Ties Affect Fertility Decisions in Turkey

Abstract

Background Although there is extensive evidence that social interactions within different types of social ties affect fertility decisions and behavior both in western and nonwestern settings, there is no available data to evaluate the impact within the Middle Eastern context, leading to difficulty in explaining fully the ways in which interactions in personal networks influence fertility behavior among the region's populations. Aims This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which social ties affect fertility decisions in Turkey. We examine various social mechanisms such as social support, social pressure,social influence and social learning to explore how and why these mechanisms exert influence on women's fertility decision‐making processes. Method Using semi‐structured interviewing (N = 51),the study draws on mothers' retrospective accounts of the childbearing process and current intentions for higher order births. Results Our findings point to the substantial role played by family networks in women's fertility behavior in Turkey. While family and nonfamily network partners stimulate social pressure and social influence respectively, social support exclusively operates through family members. Also, the majority of social learning occurs within the family. Our findings also show how kin and non‐kin network partners operate through these mechanisms and differentially influence specific stages of the fertility process such as the transition to parenthood and parity progression. Conclusion The overarching finding of this study is that the personal networks have effects on fertility decisions in Turkey. Our findings pointed to the role of the social and cultural context of the Middle Eastern setting where childbearing is a substantive issue that matters to extended family and the community. An important contribution of this study is that it is the first of its kind to explore social mechanisms vis‐à‐vis fertility decision‐making in the Middle Eastern context and provides a nonwestern and comparative perspective to the research in this area.

Understanding the rationales behind childbearing

“…These findings are consistent with the results of other studies. [ 23 24 25 ] In TPB, subjective norms with respect to having a child are determined by normative beliefs in related to important others and referents. These normative beliefs are also weighed by the motivation to comply with the referents.…”

“…In previous studies aimed at identifying factors related to childbearing intent and behavior, similar results have been obtained. [ 13 15 23 ] Social support refers to the tangible and psychological resources that are provided to individuals through communication with family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and others. Social support includes informational, instrumental, and emotional support.…”

Dangerous vulnerability: Simultaneous prohibition and coercion in Palestinian-Israeli single mothers’ relationships with men

“…Those who nevertheless are able to participate in the labor market are forced to take low-paying jobs with few (if any) benefits that keep them from exiting their situation of scarcity and poverty (Herbst-Debby, 2019; Levanon et al, 2021). Given all the above, the case of Palestinian-Israeli single women can provide an important comparative perspective in understanding the broader issue of the impact of social and family ties on women's vulnerability (e.g., Kavas & de Jong, 2020). Moreover, in light of the strict patriarchal supervision of these women's sexual behavior, it is important to explore how their vulnerability is shaped vis-à-vis their relationships with men.…”

“…In general, Palestinian society in Israel is characterized by a patriarchal family structure, which for the Muslim majority is embedded in the rules and guidelines of the Quran. Within this structure, women are motivated by the norms of the collective and the duties it imposes upon them (Abu-Rabia-Queder, 2017; Kavas & de Jong, 2020). As such, and similar to the sociocultural context of the Middle East, perceptions regarding women’s sexuality are embedded in traditional “honor codes,” according to which women’s sexual behavior is subject to extreme supervision by the extended family and community, and any relations of women with men outside marriage are strictly forbidden.…”

“…Given all the above, the case of Palestinian-Israeli single women can provide an important comparative perspective in understanding the broader issue of the impact of social and family ties on women’s vulnerability (e.g., Kavas & de Jong, 2020). Moreover, in light of the strict patriarchal supervision of these women’s sexual behavior, it is important to explore how their vulnerability is shaped vis-à-vis their relationships with men.…”