Changing patterns of fertility : the impact of contraceptive technology on a Maya village

This report explores the factors supporting fertility control by analyzing the counseling and services of the family planning program and the age, health condition, and desired number of children of women who accept and use some form of birth control. Also assessed are socioeconomic variables such as the education level of women and children and income-generating work of women and men both in and outside the village. Charts of demographic and socioeconomic data further illustrate these findings. The determinants of fertility control were found to be highly complex, with acceptance of family planning methods cutting across age, economic, and educational lines. The marketing and production of sewn and embroidered crafts by women, as well as their participation in the work force outside of the home and village, were found to foster acceptance of family planning. Further, the development of new technologies for producing honey and raising cattle has increased women"s contacts with outside businesses and fostered changes in family life. A surprising finding was that, having been introduced to sex education and family planning in grades five and six, unmarried children were encouraging their mothers to use contraceptives. On the basis of these findings, the author recommends the formation of discussion groups among community members on the new schoolbook materials and preparation of tape cassettes covering the latter materials for use in women"s groups and/or the home. The importance of an appropriate time and method of presenting family planning information is also stressed. Appendices include an analysis of the rate of acceptance of contraceptive methods, a series of charts profiling the background of married women in Chan Kom, and a computer analysis of changing fertility patterns. A 58-item bibliography (1929-79) includes Spanish and English references.