A new model for evaluating the influence of social networks, social learning, and supportive policies on the desire of women for fertility

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, social networks become so famous and attract a lot of users. In recent eras, the increase of online social networks and the digitization of communication types have meant that online social networks have become a significant part of social network examination. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we investigate the social networks to study the desire of women for fertility. The study has delivered new visions into the elements of reproductive behavior and has discussed the development of increasingly refined and realistic theories of fertility desire. METHODS: A questionnaire is intended for evaluating the elements of the model. Questionnaires were reviewed by experts with significant experiences in this domain. From 384 users of Telegram as an important social network in Iran, data are collected. For statistical examination, the SPSS 22 and SMART- PLS 3.2 software are also utilized. RESULTS: Results confirmed the validity of the model for assessing of the desire of women for fertility. The outcomes have indicated that the social network has a negative effect on the desire of women for fertility. Besides, the results have shown that the role of social networks on social learning is significant and positive. Furthermore, the role of social learning and supportive policies on the desire of women for fertility is positive and significant. CONCLUSIONS: According to findings, managers have enough precision in training women and daughters through social networks and social learning to enhance the desire for fertility. Finally, it is significant to note that since data are self-reported, they could be affected by rationalization and may not correlate with fertility behavior. In future studies, by gathering a comprehensive sample, other important elements can be considered that cause the desire of women for fertility.

What factors influence couples’ decisions to have children? Evidence from a systematic scoping review

“…□ "conflict of childbearing with own personal life, plans and interests" (16%), □ "spouse's opposition" (6%) □ "problems in spousal relationships" (2%) [23,33,38,41,43,51] Cultural/Religious Values and Beliefs [8, 26, 37, 38, 42-46, 49, 50, 52] Elevating the Quality of Social and Cultural Relations [12] Implementation of Educational Programs on Marital Life Skills for Youth and Enhancement of their Perspective Towards Parenthood [42] Social Imitation/Social Learning [4,33,37,38,41,46,49,51] Addiction and Criminality Among Women [49] Housing Situation (Owned or Rented) [8,12,44,45,49,51] Residence Location (Urban or Rural) [8,10,15,17,40,42,43,52] Social and Institutional Support Parent's Employment/Unemployment and Job Security [2,4,5,40,42] Concerns about Children's Job Security [42,45] Spouses' Occupation type [12,14,17,30,42] and Their Job Conditions…”

“… □ Women had a higher personal desire to have children and evaluated economic, personal and relational preparation as more effective □ Males were more likely to evaluate the mental norms and social status of parents as more influential □ Personal desire for the child □ Desire of the partner for the child □ Need for parents □ Motivational forces and mental norms 18/20 26 Evens, E. 2015 [ 6 ] Identifying factors that influence pregnancy intentions: evidence from South Africa and Malawi South Africa and Malawi qualitative analysis Data from a total of 199 women is included here, 113 in FGDs and 86 in SSIs □ Social norms during pregnancy □ HIV related concerns □ Partnership status and relationship quality □ Available financial resources □ Demographic characteristics □ Mother’s attitude and experiences towards pregnancy 8/9 27 Holton, S. 2011 [ 32 ] To have or not to have? Australian women’s childbearing desires, expectations and outcomes Australia a cross-sectional survey 569 30–34-years-old Australian women randomly selected □ Various biological, psychological and social factors □ Costs of women having children 16/20 28 Chen, P. L. 2021 [ 33 ] A new model for evaluating the influence of social networks, social learning, and supportive policies on the desire of women for fertility Iran cross- sectional From 384 users of Telegram data are collected □ Social networks are meaningful and positive on social learning □ The role of social learning and supportive policies on women’s desire for positive fertility 15/20 29 Pan, J. N. 2020 [ 34 ] The impact of economic uncertainty on the decision of fertility: Evidence from Taiwan Taiwan cross- sectional official county-level panel data of 20 counties and cities over the 1998–2016 period in Taiwan Family Income and Expenditure (1998–2016) published by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) …”