Fertility-Related Perceptions and Behaviors among Low-Income Women: Injunctive Norms, Sanctions, and the Assumption of Choice

Abstract

In this article we explore elements of the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB) through interviews with low-income women (N = 30) in a Midwestern U.S. state about their experiences with and perceptions of fertility-related norms. Using grounded theory and matrix analysis as analytical lenses, we found that individuals sometimes learn of injunctive norms and social sanctions separately, might be more likely to comply with a norm if they learn about norms and sanctions in concert, and might be more likely to engage in norm compliance if they learn about two different types of sanctions, short- and long-term, along with the injunctive norm. We also found that a number of important barriers can limit one’s ability to choose to comply with a norm. In conclusion, we discuss implications for continued theorizing of the TNSB in light of the experiences of traditionally marginalized populations.