Linguistic Identity, and Choice of Contraception Methods: Evidence from the Reliance of Bengali Speaking Community on Behavioural Methods

This study examines the relationship between linguistic identity and choice of contraception methods in India. It uses quantitative study design and data from three rounds of National Family Health Survey. Information on women of reproductive age group who are currently married, not pregnant, using any contraception method, but are not sterilized is extracted from Individual women datasets. The study starts by highlighting the higher reliance on behavioural methods (withdrawal and rhythm methods) among the Bengali speaking than non-Bengali speaking respondents in India. Contrary to the common belief that such methods are popular among rural, less educated women, the work shows reliance on behavioural methods cuts across educational and economic groups. Further, Bengali speaking women can control their fertility effectively using behavioural methods. Possible explanations of this phenomenon are examined, but the reliance of Bengali speaking women on behavioural methods remains in puzzle. Results indicate high reliance of Bengali speaking women on behavioural contraception methods is an example of the influence of culture – in the form of linguistic identity – on reproductive behaviour. Therefore a tailored policy keeping in mind the effect of cultural behaviour in decision making process on women reproductive behaviour is necessary. Further Instead of emphasizing on modern method in family planning policies, focus should be on awareness programmes indicating benefits of restricting fertility, and giving them freedom of choosing any contraception method.