The intersection of career aspirations and family planning among women in Lagos State: a qualitative analysis
Outcomes: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Women’s Economic Empowerment
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms—particularly those related to gender roles, spousal authority, and expectations around motherhood—play a central role in shaping women’s family planning decisions in Lagos. The discussion highlights that patriarchal norms position men as primary decision-makers in reproductive matters, often limiting women’s autonomy and requiring spousal approval for contraceptive use. At the same time, evolving norms around women’s participation in the workforce are shifting expectations, allowing career aspirations to increasingly justify delayed childbearing. These competing norms create tension, where women navigate both traditional expectations (e.g., pressure to bear children, preference for male children) and emerging norms supporting women’s agency. Ultimately, family planning decisions are not made independently but are embedded within relational and societal expectations that shape women’s reproductive choices and timing.
Objectives The study aimed to investigate how career aspirations intersect with family planning decisions among women of reproductive age in Lagos State, Nigeria, and to explore how societal norms, personal ambitions, and contextual factors influence these choices.
Methods A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 30 women aged 20–49 recruited from two major healthcare facilities in Lagos. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis supported by NVivo, guided by Work–Family Conflict Theory. Social norms were examined through participants’ narratives on gender roles, spousal dynamics, cultural expectations, and workplace influences, capturing both injunctive norms (e.g., expectations of male authority) and descriptive norms (common practices such as delaying childbirth for career reasons).
Results Findings show that many women strategically delay childbearing to align with career goals, reflecting a shift toward integrating professional and family aspirations. However, decisions are shaped by multiple intersecting factors, including health concerns, employment type, and workplace policies. Self-employed women reported greater autonomy in managing both career and family planning, while those in formal employment faced stricter constraints. Societal norms significantly influenced decisions, with many women deferring to their husbands as heads of households and experiencing pressure related to childbearing expectations, including preferences for male children. Supportive workplace policies, particularly maternity leave, facilitated better alignment between career and reproductive goals.
Conclusions The study concludes that family planning decisions among women in Lagos are shaped by a complex interplay of career aspirations, social norms, and structural factors. Efforts to improve reproductive autonomy must address entrenched gender norms and power dynamics while strengthening supportive workplace and policy environments that enable women to balance career and family goals.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and are based on the interpretation of source documents. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, there may be errors or omissions. Users are encouraged to consult the original documents for complete and authoritative information.