Association between women's emancipation and their fertility and between emancipation and other variables

Abstract

This was a sub-study done on data gathered from four areas in Iloilo; an agricultural community (Lambunao); a fishing community (Estancia); a semi-industrial community (Passi) and a “services” community (Iloilo City). The data were obtained from questionnaires accomplished in connection with the fertility studies funded by the Aboitiz Foundation, at Central Philippine University, in 1977.

Though this sub-study was made mainly to determine the association between women’s degree of emancipation and their fertility (number of pregnancies), it was also an attempt to compare the degree of emancipation of women of different ages, SES, level of schooling, and place of residence.

An emancipated woman in this study is one who has “a mind of her own.” She has confidence in her competence and in the quality of her ideas, so she feels free to voice her opinions and feelings.