This Anthropological study was conducted to understand the link between cultural, social and biological factors with childbearing pattern, health and status of women. The study was conducted in two areas of Lahore, a rural area and an urban slum. Data was collected through observation and repeated in-depth interviews in Urdu/ Punjabi. Forty-six women were interviewed, for triangulation purpose four focus group discussions and eight mother-in-laws were interviewed.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION:
2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE:
2.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
2.2 WOMEN IN THE INDO-PAK SUBCONTINENT:
2.3 WOMEN IN ISLAM:
2.4. WOMEN IN PAKISTAN:
2.5 FERTILITY / CHILDBEARING PATTERN AND HEALTH OF WOMEN:
2.5.1 MATERNAL MORTALITLY:
2.5.2 NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES:
2.5.3 REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTIONS AND CANCERS:
2.6 FACTORS AFFECTING THE FERTILITY:
2.6.1 AGE AT MARRIAGE
2.6.2 RACE AND ETHNICITY:
2.6.3 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS AND FERTILITY:
2.6.4 EDUCATION:
2.6.5 RELIGION AND FERTILITY:
2.6.6 INCOME AND FERTILITY:
3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:
3.1 AIMS
3.2 GENREAL OBJECTIVES:
3.3 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
4. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:
A. FERTILITY:
B. HEALTH:
C. STATUS:
5. HYPOTHESES:
6. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
6.1 SETTING:
6.2 DURATION OF STUDY:
6.3 SAMPLE SIZE:
6.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
6.5 SAMPLE SELECTION:
6.6 STUDY DESIGN:
6.7 DATA COLLECTION:
6.8 DATA ANALYSIS:
7 RESULTS:
7.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND OBSERVATIONS:
7.2 CHILDBEARING PATTERN AND STATUS OF WOMEN:
7.3 PERCEPTION OF IDEAL FAMILY SIZE:
7.4 SON PREFERENCE:
7.5 CHILDBEARING PATTERN AND RESULTING RESPECT:
7.6 SIPPORT IN THE REGULAR WORK:
7.7 SUPPORTS DURING PREGNANCY DELIVERY AND LACATION
7.8 ACCESS TO FOOD AND HEALTH CARE:
7.8.1 DIET DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
7.9 PERCEPTONS AND USE OF HEALTH CARE DURING ILLINES:
7.10 SUPPORTS DURING ILLNESS:
7.11 PERCEPTIONS AND USE OF HEALTH CARE DURING REPRODUCTION:
7.12 PERCEPTIONS REGARDING HELATY WOMEN:
7.13 THE EFFECT OF CHILDDEARING ON HEALTH:
8. DISCUSSION:
9. CONCULSIONS:
10. REFERNCES:
Study Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between biological, social, and cultural factors that influence maternal health, status, and fertility among low- and middle-income women in Punjab, Pakistan, in order to identify potential areas for future health interventions.
- The relationship between childbearing patterns and the social status of women within their families.
- The impact of socioeconomic and cultural factors on access to health care and nutrition.
- Perceptions of health, illness, and the concept of a "healthy woman" among rural and urban women.
- The role of "purdah" and gender stratification in limiting women's autonomy and decision-making power.
- The influence of son preference on maternal wellbeing and reproductive behavior.
Excerpt from the Book
SON PREFERENCE:
All women were of the opinion that sons are preferred over daughters, and many described how they cried and were depressed when a daughter was born. One woman said “Beta Khuda ku Rehmat hota hai aur baiti Khuda Ki Zehmat” (a son is blessing and a daughter is a curse. The commonest reason for the son preference cited by mothers of daughters was” the sons propagate family name, earn money and support the parents in their old age”. Also, when the parents are no more then daughters can still come and visit the paternal house, whereas if one has no brothers the house in sold. However, some women felt that it was not always true that son support the parents in their old age because most of the sons live with their own nuclear family.
In village, the majority of the women explained differences between sons and daughters as follows: sons earn money and help the family and their bride brings dowry, whereas daughters need support until their marriage and even afterwards, they also need dowry. They don not earn money and can not support the parents, although girls are more caring and loving,. Therefore, nobody wishes to have daughters even if they have many sons.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: An overview of the anthropological study, highlighting the context of Pakistan's demographic landscape and the urgency of addressing women's health needs within a patriarchal society.
2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: Examines historical, cultural, and religious factors influencing the status of women in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, with specific focus on Islamic teachings and current social realities.
3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: Outlines the research intent to explore the nexus of biological, social, and cultural determinants of maternal health, status, and fertility.
4. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS: Establishes specific definitions for key variables used in the study, including fertility, health, and status.
5. HYPOTHESES: Proposes that childbearing patterns, particularly the presence of sons, directly correlate with higher social status and better access to resources for women.
6. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Details the qualitative research design, including the setting (Gawalmandi and Halloki), purposive sampling, and the use of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
7. RESULTS: Presents detailed findings regarding daily routines, health perceptions, the impact of son preference on family dynamics, and access to healthcare services across the study cohorts.
8. DISCUSSION: Interprets the research results in the broader context of existing literature on gender roles, "purdah", and the persistent influence of son preference on reproductive health decisions.
9. CONCULSIONS: Summarizes the key evidence that repeated childbearing and a woman's reproductive output are intrinsically linked to her status and wellbeing, necessitating inclusive public health strategies.
10. REFERNCES: A comprehensive list of academic sources and literature used to ground the research findings.
Keywords
anthropology, childbearing, maternal health, status in family, Pakistan, gender roles, son preference, fertility, rural health, urban health, socioeconomic status, reproductive health, nutrition, cultural factors, purdah
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this anthropological research?
This study explores the relationship between cultural, social, and biological factors and their influence on maternal health, childbearing patterns, and the status of women living in low-income settings in Punjab, Pakistan.
What are the central themes examined in the study?
Key themes include son preference, gender-based differences in resource allocation, the impact of reproductive outcomes on a woman's social standing, and perceptions of healthcare options.
What is the primary research goal or question?
The primary goal is to understand how childbearing patterns—specifically the number of children and their gender—affect a woman's status and access to resources, in order to design more effective public health interventions.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs qualitative anthropological methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and systematic observations of participants in urban and rural areas, supported by triangulation for verification.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections cover perceptions of health, the effect of reproductive history on marital treatment, access to food during pregnancy and lactation, and the influence of traditional practices on healthcare seeking behavior.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as childbearing, maternal health, son preference, family status, Pakistan, and reproductive health.
How does "purdah" specifically affect the women in this study?
Purdah acts as a systemic limit on mobility and interaction with the public sphere, which significantly dictates how women access healthcare, often requiring them to be accompanied by husbands or in-laws.
What role do traditional birth attendants (dais) play?
Dais are central to the delivery process at home; however, their practices, such as the use of oxytocin, vary in quality, and their relationship with the women is tied to both the birth outcome and social rituals surrounding maternity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anjum Hashmi (Autor:in), Fayaz Mamluh Alazmi (Autor:in), Jamil Ahmed Somroo (Autor:in), 2014, Cultural Concepts and Behavioral Influences on Women of South-East Asia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/339548
