Society, Culture and Reproductive Health

Abstract

This study is concerned with a comparative analysis of two religious communities the Hindu and the Muslim in relation to their reproductive behavior and practices The relationship between religion and reproductive behavior has prompted much interest especially in the context of the rising populations in developing countries However the politicization of religion in India the history of violence between Muslims and Hindus and rivalry with the neighboring country have made the study of religious differentials in fertility and family planning a sensitive issue It has been noticed that concerns regarding the rapid growth of the Muslim population and the changing religious composition of India national population are, often, motivated by political interests newlineThe main issues in the present study are investigated chiefly through the lens of gender Many of the studies on fertility behaviour patterns in India have not been explained from a gender perspective Hence on the one hand the study attempts to explore the extent to which religion and prescriptions made in the name of religion affect fertility patterns especially with regard to Muslims on the other to see whether religious differences override the commonalities of class gender and socio economic status It might seem that undue attention is being paid in research to explain the reproductive behaviour and practices of Muslims But I believe that there are complex socio economic and gender related reasons for the differential in fertility that need to be better understood Besides an attempt has also been made to examine the programmes and policies related to population control and family planning at the national and international levels to see their effect on the differentials in fertility behavior of the two communities This exercise is also necessary in order to dispel the many stereotypical notions and myths that have almost become a part of the so called common sense