Question

Discuss five specific factors that influence the number of children a poor couple may desire.

Short answer

The five specific factors influencing the number of children a poor couple might desire are financial constraints, lack of education on family planning, societal and cultural values, access to healthcare services, and government policies. These factors contribute to the couple's decisions either by limiting their ability to choose their desired family size or by allowing perceived benefits to encourage larger family sizes.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Factors

Identify the five key factors that influence family planning in poor families, e.g., financial constraints, lack of education on family planning methods, societal and cultural values, availability and access to healthcare, and government policies.

Explanation of Each Factor

Explain how each identified factor affects the number of children a poor couple may desire. Financial Constraints: Limited resources might logically lead families to want fewer children, but poverty often creates an environment where more offspring are desired for economic security. Lack of Education: Poor couples may lack knowledge about family planning methods, thus having more children. Societal and Cultural Values: Cultural beliefs can link larger families with increased prestige or security. Healthcare Access: Limited access to reproductive health services can lead to more children. Government Policies: Policies that provide support for larger families might unintentionally incentivize having more children.

Linking the Factors to Child Desire

Show how these all interconnectedly impact family size within poor communities. The presumed benefits of having more children under poverty often overshadow the practicality of manageable family sizes due to limitations imposed by poverty itself.