Power in a social exchange: To what extent are decisions about fertility “shared” within intimate relationships?

Abstract

There is disagreement in the literature regarding how fertility decision-making is shared within heterosexual couples. It was predicted that more egalitarian attitudes, more equivalent levels of education, and more equivalent levels of careerorientation would be associated with greater compromise and agreement in fertility negotiations. Heterosexual couples (N = 120, Mage= 21, SDage= 4.96) were asked to discuss both their family planning and financial planning intentions. These discussions were transcribed and then coded by three independent coders for statements indicative of inequitable power (concessions, persuasion, and disagreement) and equitable power (compromise and agreement). We found that the similarity of couples’ gender role attitudes and career-orientations did not predict their use of compromise or persuasion. However, individuals with higher levels of education were more likely to use persuasion and disagreement statements in their fertility discussions. Females and males were equally likely to use compromise, persuasion, and concession when discussing their plans.