The role of family networks and social capital on women's fertility intentions in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract Family solidarities remain strong in African societies. In Ouagadougou, transfers within extended family networks provide an omnipresent means for coping with life's difficulties, and the desired number of children remains relatively high. The role maintaining high fertility is rarely studied however lack data conventional demographic surveys. This study uses original retrospective logistic regression methods to explore family's social capital shaping women's desire Ouagadougou. Results show that women belong three types networks: (1) who large on both her own husband's side maintain a moderate close relations their relatives; (2) also sides but greater blood (3) unmarried relatives only numerous family. Support children's schooling comes more often from type 2 3, husbands' network 1. increases level economic resources (proxied by presence public employee), all types. Women (centered relatives) are likely want additional compared 1 relatives), after controlling networks. result suggests practical support provided members could play role, top support, encouraging