* K. S. Farid, R. Aktar & M. W. Rahman
* K. S. Farid
Department of Rural Sociology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Email: ksfarid@bau.edu.bd
R. Aktar
Department of Rural Sociology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Email: brjaktar868@gmail.com
M. W. Rahman
Department of Rural Sociology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Email: wakilur.rahman@bau.edu.bd
Abstract
This study explores the variations in fertility behaviour between migrant and non-migrant households of rural areas of Fulbaria upazila under Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected from a sample of 120 women comprising 60 each from migrant and non-migrant households through direct interview. Findings show very little difference in age at marriage in terms of migration status of the households. However, the mean age at first birth for migrant households (20.27 years) is slightly higher than that of non-migrant households (19.88 years). Unexpectedly, almost one-fourth of the respondents gave birth of first child before reaching the age of 18, though legal age at marriage for girls is 18 years in Bangladesh. However, this percentage is slightly lower for migrant households. Moreover, the incidence of accidental birth and miscarriage is lower for migrant households. There are no major variations in case of child preference in both households. However, wives of migrant households have comparatively higher autonomy to decide contraceptive methods than that of the wives of non- migrant households. The husbands of migrant households use contraceptive more than that of their counterpart of non-migrant households. Moreover, migrant households do more medical check-up before delivery of child than non-migrant households. Finally it can be concluded that the females of migrant households are somewhat in advantageous position in some fertility issues over the females of non-migrant households, and the variations in fertility behaviours of females of both households observed in this study can be used in policy formulation regarding fertility regulation.
Keyword: Fertility behaviour, variation, female, migration status, rural Bangladesh
KF001