SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF NOMADS

Abstract

This research is carried out among nomadic societies. The objectives of this research were to study socio economic characteristics of nomads, with main focus on explaining the socio cultural factors and their effects on the reproductive behaviors of nomadic communities. Researchers interviewed 150 nomads who were selected as sample by using Purposive sampling technique. “Life history theory” and “Malthus theory of population” are used as theoretical framework. Results showed that nomadic reproductive behavior is highly affected by socio cultural factors like illiteracy, son preference, early marriages, forced marriages, tribal customs, and lack of health care facilities. It is concluded that socio cultural factors are responsible for the poor reproductive behavior of nomads in Pakistan. Findings also indicated that number of reproductive complications occurred among pregnant nomadic women due to inadequate health facilities, socio-cultural and demographic barriers which restricted them to use maternity services Keywords Nomads, reproductive behavior, socio cultural factors, health, women