The influence of cultural beliefs on family planning adoption: Evidence from a field survey in China
), Yongqing Wei(2),
(1) School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia
(2) Arts College of WuYi University, WuYi University, No. 358, Baihua Road, Fujian Province, Wuyishan City, 354300, China
Corresponding Author
Abstract
Cultural beliefs continue to play a critical role in shaping reproductive behavior in China, even as the country undergoes rapid social
and economic transformation. This study examines the influence of key cultural norms—such as son preference, traditional gender
roles, filial piety, and attitudes toward contraception—on the adoption of modern family planning methods. Drawing on data from
a cross-sectional field survey of married individuals aged 18–49 across selected provinces, the study employs a quantitative research
design using structured questionnaires and multi-stage sampling. Composite indices of cultural beliefs were constructed using Likertscale items, and logistic regression models were used to assess their predictive power on contraceptive use, while controlling for
socio-demographic characteristics. The results indicate that stronger adherence to traditional cultural beliefs significantly reduces
the likelihood of adopting modern contraceptive methods, with notable variation across education levels and urban–rural settings.
These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive family planning strategies that address underlying social norms in addition
to improving service availability. The study contributes to policy debates on demographic change in China by emphasizing the
intersection of culture, gender, and reproductive health behavior
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