The beginning of fertility decline in South India : a micro-study of a cluster of four South Indian villages

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.