In literature, the above factors are divided into two categories: family planning; and beyond family planning factors. While family planning factors include knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of contraceptive methods –spacing and terminal – the beyond family planning factors include the whole matrix of socio-economic factors which impinge upon value of children, reproductive decision making, and motivation to limit family size.
India is making progress on all fronts: knowledge of family planning is almost universal, about 60 percent couples are using family planning methods, there is improvement in socio-economic condition and women are more empowered today. Due to Westernization, modernization and State efforts, significant changes are taking place in the age of marriage. Parents have started recognizing the importance of girls' education and empowerment of women has increased desire to provide as much education to girls as to boys. All this is going to help India in proceeding further on the path of demographic transition. Yet there are several impediments also. Traditionally, Indian society is patriarchal, and patrifocal. Marriage has been early and universal. In most parts of the country society places a great value on having a son. After marriage, women join their husband's family and live almost permanently there or with the husband if he is working elsewhere. They are subjected to physical, emotional and sexual violence. In certain parts of the country there is avoidance of girl child and illegally cases of female feticide are also taking place. |
