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Gender and Reproductive Behaviour: The Role of Men

Author

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  • Sabiha Hussain

    (Centre for Women's Development Studies, 25 Bhai Vir Singh Marg, New Delhi 110 001)

Abstract

Concerned groups have in recent times argued strongly in favour of bringing men into the centre of debate and research on family planning, population control and the reproductive health of women. However, women continue as always to be treated as objects in families and communities, as well as in policies and programmes. The entire reproductive process from pregnancy to childbirth is a complex phenomenon that is socially and culturally determined, and women are excluded from decision making on issues concerning their own lives and bodies. Further, state policies and contraceptive technologies are mostly targeted at women. The implications of both social norms and state policies are reflected at the micro level of household. Based on a larger study, the paper shows that religion is a less influential factor than male dominance and cultural norms. The provision of better health and medical facilities by the government could, however, make a big difference to women's health as well as population control.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabiha Hussain, 2003. "Gender and Reproductive Behaviour: The Role of Men," Indian Journal of Gender Studies, Centre for Women's Development Studies, vol. 10(1), pages 45-76, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indgen:v:10:y:2003:i:1:p:45-76
    DOI: 10.1177/097152150301000104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Margaret E. Greene & Ann E. Biddlecom, 2000. "Absent and Problematic Men: Demographic Accounts of Male Reproductive Roles," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 26(1), pages 81-115, March.
    2. Susan Watkins, 1993. "If all we knew about women was what we read in Demography, what would we know?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 30(4), pages 551-577, November.
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