Denominational affiliation and fertility behaviour in an African context: an examination of couple data from Ghana

Journal of Biosocial Science
Stephen Obeng GyimahEric Yeboah Tenkorang

Abstract

Although studies have examined religious differences in fertility in sub-Saharan Africa, it is argued in this paper that using women-only sample data may be conceptually problematic in patriarchal African societies where the influence of husbands on their wives' reproductive preferences is paramount. The present study contributes to this discourse by examining the relationship between religion and fertility behaviour using matched-couple data from Ghana. Guided by the 'religious values' and 'characteristics' hypotheses, the results indicate significant religious differences in fertility. Compared with Traditionalists, Christians and Muslims have lower fertility, albeit these differences diminish significantly after controlling for socioeconomic variables. The impact of wife's religious denomination on marital fertility is attenuated after controlling for husband's religious affiliation. Also, fertility was found to be higher if couples belong to the same faith compared with those of different faiths.

Citations

May 4, 2012·Archives of Sexual Behavior·Eric Y Tenkorang
May 14, 2011·Journal of Religion and Health·Stephen Obeng GyimahBaffour K Takyi
Mar 10, 2010·Journal of Biosocial Science·Stephen Obeng GyimahGabriel Fosu
Jan 6, 2011·Journal of Biosocial Science·Latifat IbisomiJones Adjei
May 23, 2014·Health Care for Women International·Emmanuel Banchani, Eric Y Tenkorang
Nov 29, 2012·Studies in Family Planning·Halley P CrissmanSiobán D Harlow

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