Peran Keluarga dan Lingkungan Sosial dalam Pengambilan Keputusan Terkait Fertilitas

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of family and social environment in fertility decision-making among women in the Serang region, Banten. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study involved three housewife informants from different social backgrounds: traditional, religious, and urban modern. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic methods. The findings reveal that family values instilled from an early age shape perceptions of children and the ideal number of offspring. Additionally, pressure from the extended family—especially from parents and in-laws—is a key factor in accelerating the decision to have children, even when couples may not yet be fully prepared. Social norms in the residential environment also influence couples’ fertility perceptions, with traditional communities tending to support high fertility, while urban settings promote smaller, planned families. This research highlights that fertility decisions are the result of an interaction between personal and social values and emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive policy approaches in reproductive and family planning programs.