The beginning of fertility decline in South India : a micro-study of a cluster of four South Indian villages
Date
1984
Authors
Shariff, Abusaleh
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Abstract
Society in India has long been regarded to be traditional as well
as one based on the unilineal extended system with rigid rules and
principles. Yet, of late there have been changes in the social and
economic spheres. Of vital demographic importance is a recent decline
in both fertility and mortality. In order to understand the nature
and causes of the demographic transition it was essential to undertake
an anthropological investigation of the rural population. Village
level surveys and in-depth interviews were best suited to undertake
this task. A cluster of four South Indian villages were, therefore,
studied for this purpose using a micro-approach.
The social structure was found to be a function of caste and the
traditional occupational affiliations largely determined the current
economic status. Profound changes, nevertheless, were noticed in
various walks of life and have occurred especially since Independence
as a result of government programmes. A beginning of fertility
decline in this part of the country was found running parallel to
these changes. The decline in fertility has been largely a function
of marital fertility associated with changes in the intrinsic
behaviour of the individuals stemming from changes in intra-family and
inter-family relationships. The unilineal extended family system
appears to have given way to a bilateral extended system in which the
affines are playing a greater role. The young are assuming
decision-making responsibilities relatively early and women appear to have progressed to a higher level of particiaptaion in the family and
fertility decision-making.
The pattern is that such changes are more frequent in the large
heterogeneous villages while the smaller and remote villages are yet
to experience the forces of social change. A moderate increase in
literacy, an exposure to urban influence and the growing importance of
monetization have enabled villagers to think and act more indepedently
than in the past and this has made them more secular.
Although in specific groups the intention to accept the modern
concepts such as family planning and education appears to be
increasing, it is found that there are differentials between villages
and between various groups of people. It is suggested that programme
implementation be intesnified, failing which these differentials may
further widen posing a threat to the social and economic progress.
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