The Masculine Side of Planned Parenthood: An explanatory Analysis

Abstract

Much is already known about the attitudes of African women concerning family planning; but little is known about the views of men. This article examines the opinions of Nigerian men toward a wide range of fertility related issues that may affect the success of family planning programs. Specifically, the masculine side of planned parenthood (family planning) were explored in terms of attitudes toward (1) Nigeria’s population dynamics, (2) population control policies, (3) sex preference and value of children, (4) ideal number of children, and (5) family planning. In general, three salient findings, inter alia, manifest that the sample is not very receptive to family planning. First, the sample does not think that Nigeria is plagued with population problems. Second, government interference with the number of children a couple wants proved anathema to the resampled men. Third, the men embraced the fact that women should seek their husband’s permission before they practice any form of family planning. While the first two findings negate the practical objectives of planned parenthood program, the findings have important policy implications for action programs aimed at reducing female fertility in a male dominated society.