Ideational Changes and its Impact on Fertility Behavior and Attitudes of Kurd and Turk Women

In line with the general fertility changes in Iran, the west Azerbaijan has experienced a phenomenal fertility decline in recent years. In this study, in addition to cohort analysis of social and ideational changes, we attempt to study the interactional impact of these variables on fertility behavior and ideals of Kurd and Turk women. This research is conducted by survey method. The statistical population covers ever-married women aged 15-49 residing in Orumieh district. The total sample size is 768 households out of which finally 739 questionnaires have been analyzed. A combination of sampling techniques including multistage clustering and systematic random sampling are employed. Findings show that regarding the case study a general change is observed in terms of social and family changes. According to this study a noticeable ideational changes has occurred in marriage, childbearing, fertility behavior and ideals of women. Results confirm that social and family changes are accompanied with changes in attitudes related to marriage and childbearing and finally fertility behavior and ideals. Findings support the results of the previous researches about the diffusion of low fertility values and norms and convergence in fertility behavior and ideals of ethnic groups.