GENDER, FAITH AND FERTILITY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RELIGIOUS RESPONSIBILITY AND REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES IN SELECTED PERI-URBAN AREAS OF NIGERIA

Abstract

Gender norms, religious beliefs, and socio-cultural expectations continue to shape fertility patterns in Nigeria. In peri-urban communities like Masaka, Uke, and Auta Balefi, where rural traditions meet urban influences, reproductive choices frequently reflect negotiations between faith-based commitments and socio-economic realities. Despite various reproductive health interventions, fertility rates remain relatively high, highlighting the persistent influence of religion and gender relations. However, there is limited comparative evidence on how different faith traditions shape reproductive decision-making in such transitional settings. Using mixed methods in three peri-urban communities (N=450), the study demonstrates that religious teachings and gender norms significantly influence reproductive decision-making, while education and economic pressures increasingly promote collaborative choices among partners. Guided by feminist theory, symbolic interactionism, and the sociology of religion, the study integrates household surveys with in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions The study contributes to understanding how religion and gender intersect in shaping fertility choices and calls for culturally sensitive, gender-responsive reproductive health strategies that align with faith-based values.