Wealth and gender inequality impacting family planning in rural India

Family Planning in Rural India: Breaking Down Barriers to Contraceptive Use

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the crucial role of wealth and gender equality in empowering women to make informed choices about family size in Uttar Pradesh."

Family planning plays a vital role in global health initiatives, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about family size and contributing to better health outcomes for women and children. However, access to and the use of contraception remains a complex issue, deeply intertwined with socioeconomic factors and cultural norms.

A recent study focusing on rural Uttar Pradesh, India, sheds light on these complexities. The research uncovers significant disparities in contraceptive use, highlighting how household wealth and the preference for sons over daughters influence family planning choices. This article breaks down the study's findings, exploring the barriers women face and the steps needed to promote equitable access to family planning.

Uttar Pradesh, a state with a large rural population, presents a unique context for understanding these challenges. With its distinct cultural landscape and socioeconomic dynamics, the state serves as a microcosm for examining the broader issues surrounding family planning in developing regions.

The Wealth Divide: How Economic Status Impacts Contraceptive Use

Wealth and gender inequality impacting family planning in rural India

The study reveals a clear link between household wealth and contraceptive use. Women from wealthier households are significantly more likely to use contraception compared to those from poorer households. This disparity underscores the financial barriers that many women face in accessing family planning services and supplies.

Several factors contribute to this wealth-related gap:

Access to Information and Services: Wealthier households often have better access to information about family planning and the resources to travel to health facilities or purchase contraceptives.
Affordability: Even when services are available, the cost of contraceptives can be a significant burden for low-income families.
Empowerment and Autonomy: Economic independence often translates to greater autonomy for women, enabling them to make independent decisions about their reproductive health.

These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address the economic barriers to family planning. Subsidized or free contraceptive services, coupled with efforts to empower women economically, can help bridge the wealth divide and ensure equitable access.

Beyond Contraceptives: Addressing Son Preference and Empowering Women

The study also highlights the persistent preference for sons in rural Uttar Pradesh. This cultural bias influences family size decisions, with some couples continuing to have children until they have a son. This practice not only contributes to population growth but also perpetuates gender inequality.

To address this issue, a multi-pronged approach is needed:

<ul><li>Challenging Gender Norms: Public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can help dismantle traditional gender roles and promote the value of daughters.</li><li>Empowering Girls and Women: Investing in girls' education and economic opportunities can improve their status in society and reduce the perceived need for sons.</li><li>Promoting Gender Equality: Strengthening laws and policies that protect women's rights and promote gender equality can create a more equitable environment for family planning choices.</li></ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s10389-018-0984-7, Alternate LINK

Title: Contraceptive Use And Unmet Need For Family Planning Among Women With At Least One Child In Rural Uttar Pradesh: The Role Of Wealth And Gender Composition Of Children

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Journal of Public Health

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Bal Govind Chauhan, R. Nagarajan

Published: 2018-10-10

Everything You Need To Know

How does household wealth influence contraceptive use in rural Uttar Pradesh?

In rural Uttar Pradesh, wealthier households demonstrate a significantly higher rate of contraceptive use compared to poorer households. This disparity arises from several factors: better access to information and family planning services, the ability to afford contraceptives, and greater economic independence, which empowers women to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive health. Addressing these economic barriers through subsidized services and women's economic empowerment programs is crucial for equitable access.

How does the preference for sons affect family planning practices in rural Uttar Pradesh?

The preference for sons in rural Uttar Pradesh impacts family planning decisions. Couples may continue having children until they have a son, leading to larger family sizes and perpetuating gender inequality. This cultural bias affects the acceptance and consistent use of contraceptive methods, as families may prioritize having a male child over limiting family size. Addressing son preference through education and gender equality initiatives is essential to promote informed family planning choices.

What are the primary barriers preventing women from poorer households in Uttar Pradesh from accessing contraceptives?

Disparities in household wealth create a significant barrier to accessing family planning services in rural Uttar Pradesh. Women from wealthier households have better access to information, can afford the cost of contraceptives, and often possess greater autonomy in making reproductive health decisions. These advantages are often not available to women from poorer households, leading to lower contraceptive use and highlighting the need for targeted interventions to bridge this wealth divide.

What specific interventions can family planning initiatives implement to address wealth-related disparities and promote equitable access in Uttar Pradesh?

Family planning initiatives can address the disparities in Uttar Pradesh through subsidized or free contraceptive services to alleviate the financial burden on low-income families. Also, implementing programs focused on empowering women economically can enhance their autonomy in making reproductive health decisions. Educational campaigns to change the cultural preference for sons and promote gender equality are also vital. These combined efforts can lead to healthier families and communities.

Beyond contraceptive access, what other interconnected factors play a crucial role in shaping family planning outcomes in rural Uttar Pradesh?

The study emphasizes the intricate relationship between socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and family planning in rural Uttar Pradesh. While the focus is on contraceptive use, broader issues such as women's education, access to healthcare, and overall gender equality play significant roles. To achieve meaningful change, interventions must address these interconnected factors comprehensively, rather than focusing solely on contraceptive distribution. Improving women's education levels and access to diverse healthcare services can further empower them to make informed choices.