Investigation on Tendency to Fertility and its Related Social Factors (A Case Study of Married Women Aged 15 to 50 in Tabriz)

Iran as a developing country (in terms of age and development level), has experienced rapid fertility decline in recent years. Fertility and childbearing are closely related to biologic and social conditions of humans. The purpose of this study was to identify the connection of social factors with fertility tendency. Using multi-stage cluster sampling measurement method, the data was obtained from 460 married women 15 to 50 years in Tabriz. The findings of multi and two purpose analysis results showed that religious belief is one of the most important factors in women’s tendencies to fertility. As shown in the results of multi-stage regression, the major part of tendency to fertility is religious belief (21%). Totally, religious belief, ideal number of children, social capital, the residence period in Tabriz and social status determine 30% of tendency to fertility. Findings of analysis showed that women’s age and social status have maximum and minimum effect on fertility, respectively. Finally, Bongaarts, Notestein, Leibenstein and Becker (1986) theories and also theories of social status, religious beliefs and social capital are appropriate in determining the relationship between social factors and tendency to fertility.