Fertility, Identity, & Social Value

The Kisii District of Kenya

I. Introduction

Reproduction and Sexuality are social and cultural processes

Sexuality and Fertility are important parts of how gender is constructed

II. Fertility Patterns in Present Day Kisii

Birth Rates in Kisii are among highest in KenyaWomen want more children than menWomen never admit how many children they wantCould be accused of arrogance or boastingChildren have become an economic burden

Modifying Fertility Strategies

When a man fails to pay bridepriceWhen a man takes an additional wifeWhen wife goes to a new husband

III. Traditional Fertility Beliefs and Values

Religious beliefs and practices related to desire for large familiesFertility - good, right, and proper behaviorInfertility -- evil and wickednessMany wives and children were a major ambition for menGave social value and respect Bridewealth exchanged for childbearing

Three Basic Principles of Fertility

A woman should bear children as early as possible and for as long as possibleMen should invest all wealth possible to procure childbearing wives Children born out of wedlock always found a man willing to claim them as legal father

Fertility is a Blessing

Extend social relationsFight in feudsHerd cattleExtra hands in the fieldSecurity in old age

IV. Traditional Family Planning

Husband to stay away during nursing Natural herbs for womenSpecific foods to reduce sexual appetite for men

V. Fertility in Kisii Today

Circumcision rituals put a strong emphasis on male and female fertilitySocial value is directly related to married women giving birth early and regularlyFatherhood is fundamental to the identity of menFaithfulness is not as important as fertility

VI. The Value of Children

Men and women agree that children have become an economic burdenLower access to land increases desire for educationKisii birthrates are still highLarge number of children doesn’t make senseLarge numbers of children are still desirable

VII. Fertility and the Consequences for Men and

WomenRaising children is an exclusively female domainWomen bear the burdens & health risks of giving birth

Strenuous daily lifeFood scarcityFrequent anemiaInadequate health services

VIII. Modern Family Planning in Kisii

Contraception choice is limitedUntil 1990 -- mainly pillsDepo Provera and NoristeradIUDs were unpopularUntil 1980s, husband’s approval was requiredFor sterilization, signature is still required

IX. Women’s Reasons for Use of Modern Contraceptives

Knowledge of methods highAcceptance is lowWith bridewealth paid, more likely to use itUse of Contraceptives

Enough ChildrenPregnancies are a burdenLonger intervals between births

Magnitude of Problems that Women Face

Rise in female-headed householdsUnstable relationshipsElopementsLittle bridewealth transferMen failing in their economic responsibilitiesIncreasing workloadsIncreasing pressure on the land

X. Women’s Reasons for not Using ContraceptivesRumors about side effectsWant children for security in old ageProblems at local clinics

Quality of services is poorStaff is overburdenedPriority given to acute health problems

XI. Male Attitudes

Men agree with family planning and modern contraceptives -- for their neighbor’s wifeFear that wives would “roam” or that families would break upNegative side effects for womenUndermines a man’s authorityAverse to using condoms

XII. Identity, Social Value, and Fertility

A man’s identity is rooted in his ability to control his wife’s fertilitySocial change and modern contraception have challenged this controlSocial value linked to having many childrenFathering children compensates for lack of prestige-giving roles

Educating and feeding his children

Women Use their Fertility Strategically

As a means of pressure when no bridewealthPrevent husband from taking a second wifeGain access to his economic resources