Continuity and Change in Turkish Urban Family Life

Abstract

This study investigates continuity and change in child-rearing attitudes and intrafamily status of the woman in urban middle class Türkiye. A group of 75 women responded to questions about values attributed to children, preference for children's sex, and woman's status in relation to the husband. Findings indicate a decrease in the economic value and an increase in the psychological value of children, together with a decrease in boy preference and an increase in girl preference. Contrary to previous research, old age security is more often mentioned as a reason for preferring girls than for preferring boys. Compared to the past, women are more involved in decision-making in urban families. Equalitarian intrafamily relations, with increased shared decision- making, communication, and role sharing between spouses, are associated with lower levels of fertility.