Contraceptive Use in light of Marriage and Education in Rural Malawi: An Adolescent Dilemma

• In Event: 393 - Section on Sociology of Development Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 02. Gender and Health

Abstract

Contraceptive use represents a dynamic decision-making realm and thus offers a useful lens through which to understand broader social processes such as the pursuit of multiple life course transitions amidst changing opportunities for social and economic mobility. Increasing educational opportunities have created a decision-making dilemma regarding pregnancy prevention for young women in Malawi. The goal of preserving their prospects for marriages discourages their use of highly effective contraceptive methods in consideration of avoiding future infertility and conforming to gendered norms of male condom access. In contrast, the hope of continuing an education encourages highly effective contraceptive methods in order to avoid unintended pregnancies and the resultant dropping out of school, attempts at illegal, unsafe abortions, and the negative impacts on one’s marriageability. When marriage and education are pursued individually, the use of contraception is relatively more straightforward. Without education, marriage and therefore childbearing is expected; without marriage, relationships are avoided until the “proper time” and school is completed. Using 13 focus groups, and 30 in-depth interviews among women and men (age 15-35) from rural Malawi, this study distinguishes three types of contraceptive users based on combinations of life goals: the “Minimalist”, the “Gambler”, and the “Pioneer.” Understanding these three orientations toward contraception highlights the importance of examining life course transitions as interdependent, and often, competing pursuits. More broadly, this paper illuminates the complexity of sexual health decision-making and the ways in which new opportunities for mobility transform present inequalities.

Author

• Sarah Garver, The Ohio State University