“Shaping the family”: Individual’s capabilities to exercise reproductive rights seen through a qualitative survey

  • Claudine Sauvain-Dugerdil University of Geneva
  • Thomas Antwi Bosiakoh University of Ghana
  • Samba Diarra University of Bamako
  • Anouk Piraud University of Ghana
  • Samba Diop University of Bamako
  • John Anarfi University of Ghana
  • Samuel Agyei-Mensah University of Ghana
Keywords: Qualitative survey, Family plans, Family norms, ambivalence, Mali, Ghana

Abstract

We analyze here the outcome of focus group discussions and individual interviews conducted in Mali and Ghana. The aim is to identify collective images about family norms and emergence of alternative values, and to examine people’s degree of ambivalence towards norms and their ability to conceive and realize their own family plans. Discourses show that family life plans should not be seen as pre-established. Ability to shape the family appears conjectural both as regards current resources and the position in the family trajectory. In both countries, two types of resources play a key role: schooling and influence/support from the family and network. Results highlight that the least individual freedom is to be found at the start of family life and in gender power relationships; some freedom appears in the timing of fertility; while more room for individual agency characterizes youth and individuals with more personal resources and supportive surroundings.

Author Biographies

Claudine Sauvain-Dugerdil, University of Geneva
Institute of Demographic and Life Course Studies (I-DEMO)
Thomas Antwi Bosiakoh, University of Ghana
Department of Sociology
Samba Diarra, University of Bamako
Department of Public Health and specialties
Anouk Piraud, University of Ghana
Regional Institute for Population Studies
Samba Diop, University of Bamako
Department of Public Health and specialties
John Anarfi, University of Ghana
Regional Institute for Population Studies
Samuel Agyei-Mensah, University of Ghana
Department of Geography and Resource Development
Published
2014-09-02