Mapping social influence on fertility: a mix-method approach to data collection

Abstract

Theoretical propositions on the importance of social effects arising from informal interaction on fertility change are not yet supported by systematic empirical evidence . The correct identification of informal relationships sali1ent for fertility decisionmaking and the comparability of social networks across population subgroups present major problems. This paper illustrates the design of a research project that specifically addresses these two problems. The project investigates the role of informal social networks on fertility decisions in East and West Germany by employing a multi-method research strategy. We use a combination of in-depth interviews, network charts, and network grids to elicit a map of individual personal relationships and to analyze their influence on respondents' fertility decisions and intentions. We collect information in parallel from the respondents and from up to three members of their social network.

Networks, Communication and Learning during Business Start-up

“…However, attributes of meaning created by actors during interaction with members of their network are missed by surveys and questionnaires (Ibarra et al, 2005;Pickens, 2003). At the same time, constructivist research adopting entirely qualitative studies without basic numbers or descriptive statistics relies on open narratives where the nature of network links may be diffi cult to establish (Bernadi et al, 2005).…”

“…The main data collection technique, a sociometric interview schedule, explores the structural attributes of an individual's network while also investigating their subjective and contextualized interactions (Bernadi et al, 2005;Martinez et al, 2003;Pickens, 2003). Thus, our semi-structured interview schedule includes: (1) questions similar to those used to complete a 'network chart'; and (2) a communication centred interview schedule.…”

Learning from others and receiving support: the impact of personal networks on fertility intentions in Poland

“…From a theoretical point of view, it is argued that social networks are one cause of lowest-low fertility in Europe, as they distribute role models of childlessness or small families (Kohler et al 2002). Qualitative studies from Italy and Germany show that structures of interpersonal communication are of general significance for reproductive behavior (Bernardi et al 2005, Bernardi 2003). They, for example, provide individuals with fertility-related information, reinforce their childbearing desires, or encourage them in pursuing their reproductive plans, but they may also set serious normative pressures to fulfill commonly shared ideas of fertility.…”

Close kin influences on fertility behavior

“…These differences in both the onset of fertility and subsequent total fertility may be due to the intensity of kin interactions which both delays the entry to parenthood and amplifies individual responses to socioeconomic difficulties. Additional qualitative evidence that the structure of interpersonal interaction and communication can play a major role in individual understandings of fertility ideals and intentions is further suggestive of the importance of the intensity of kin interactions (Bernardi et al 2005, Bernardi 2003, Bernardi and Oppo 2008.…”