title: The changing value of children among the Kikuyu of Central Province, Kenya.
abstract: "This article describes and analyses recent changes in the social institutions and cultural practices which have traditionally supported high fertility among the Kikuyu of Central Province, Kenya, and assesses the extent to which such institutions and practices retain their significance in the context of the changing value of children.  The material and symbolic value of children to the Kikuyu is analysed, using methods and concepts derived from social anthropology.... After briefly profiling each of the communities of study, the article is organised around three themes which correspond to the key social institutions that shape fertility motives: marriage, kinship and religion. A fourth theme which runs throughout the article is the changing strategic role played by these same institutions in regulating or enhancing fertility." (SUMMARY IN FRE)
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D000351:Africa, Eastern; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D003469:Culture; D003710:Demography; D003906:Developing Countries; D004467:Economics; D005190:Family; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005298:Fertility; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D007630:Kenya; D007857:Leadership; D008393:Marriage; D011153:Population; D011154:Population Characteristics; D011157:Population Dynamics; D011158:Population Growth; D012067:Religion; D012922:Social Change
keywords: Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Child Worth--changes; Communication; Cultural Background; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Eastern Africa; Economic Factors; English Speaking Africa; Family And Household; Fertility; High Fertility Population; Influentials; Kenya; Kinship Networks; Knowledge Sources; Marriage; Marriage Patterns; Microeconomic Factors; Nuptiality; Population; Population Characteristics; Population Dynamics; Religion; Social Change; Social Development