The socio-economic and cultural dimensions of ethnic fertility differences in Fiji : the case of two villages in South-East Viti-Levu

Abstract

Since the 1956 census the two ethnic groups, Fijians and Indians, have shown differences in levels of fertility and in their pace and scale of fertility decline. This research therefore examined the socio-economic and cultural factors underlying ethnic fertility differences in Fiji using quantitative, macro-level census data and qualitative micro-level data on two villages, one Fijian and the other Indian, in South-East Viti Levu. Using data from the population censuses this study confirmed that ethnic fertility differences existed in Fiji. Marital fertility was identified as the component of fertility having a pronounced effect on fertility decline in the Indian community and a rise in birth rates in the Fijian community, suggesting relatively high contraceptive use in the Indian community. The 1986 census data analysis of cumulative fertility showed that there were three distinct groups: the never married Fijian women showing higher fertility than their Indian peers; the younger currently married women under 30 years of the two ethnic communities showing similar fertility; and the older currently married women 30-49 showing fertility differences. The 1986 census data also showed that Indians displayed more modem fertility behaviour than their Fijian peers as their socioeconomic status improved, suggesting some support for the 'minority status/racial group hypothesis'. Qualitative research revealed short durations of both breastfeeding and postpartum abstinence in the two communities. Differences, however, lay in the means of offsetting these 'fertility-enhancing' proximate determinants of fertility: for Fijians a low level of contraceptive use contributed to the stall in Fijian fertility whereas for Indians abortion and higher contraceptive use have resulted in a consistent decline in fertility. Apart from problems of delivery of family planning services, socio-economic, cultural and psychological difficulties operate to affect differential contraceptive use. Clearly cultural and historical factors played prominent roles in the explanation of ethnic fertility differences in Fiji. Differences in social structure, social inter-personal networks, social organisations, traditional values of children and in the boundary of the corporate family have all contributed to ethnic fertility differences. Until cultural props influencing the cognitive environment of Fijian decision-making are weakened then Fijian fertility will continue to decline and perhaps converge with that of Indians. Show more