| dc.description.abstract | This dissertation examines the role of social interaction in the diffusion of new ideas
about family size and spread of fertility control in Kenya. Kenya has undergone a dramatic and
puzzling fertility decline since 1989, a process that was not anticipated. Since the transition
happened at a time when factors that are usually associated with such a decline were absent,
such as, socioeconomic development, this study set out to investigate the possible influence of
social interactions on fertility change in Kenya. The study utilizes data derived from survey
research in Kenya. Two districts, Muranga and Kakamega were surveyed.
One of the findings of this study is that both men and women are talking to their
relatives, friends and neighbors about family planning and other issues related to fertility
behavior, something that was not custom before. More specifically, social networks are found
to be important in modifying fertility behavior in Kenya.
Another important finding is that contrary to family planning program focus on women, men's. .social networks turned out to be
more important in some cases in influencing fertility behavior than women's social networks.
The ongoing fertility decline in Kenya is therefore driven, to a large part, by the changing
attitudes of men towards large families. In general, this study shows that people tend to enact
behaviors that they believe arc supported by other members of the community. The knowledge
that others are engaging in a new behavior minimizes anxiety and costs associated with its
adoption since there is already evidence in the community that the behavior is acceptable . | en |
