Sociological Analysis of Fertility Desires and Religious Affiliations in Iran

This article focuses primarily on one of the most important demographic issues, that is, the association between religious belonging and fertility desires from a sociological perspective; and we have attempted to presents research-based evidence in order to better understand some of the most important patterns and determinants related to this association. To what extent can socio-economic characteristics and situations affect the association between religious belonging and fertility desires? More clearly, whether religious affiliations or socio-economic characteristics do play a more important role in individuals’ fertility desires? Generally speaking, the results of this analysis provide fresh and new research findings to support the notion developed by such demographers as Westoff & Jones (1979) and Kaufman &Skirbekk (2012), suggesting that the influence of religious affiliations on fertility desires tends to gradually decrease when the contemporary societies become more modern. The research findings of this analysis have also confirmed that despite some differences across the religious groups, their fertility desires are still substantially affected by socio-economic determinants. Accordingly, the sustainable and comprehensive success of policies and planning remain on nationwide development programs in order to improve the socio-economic characteristics of the individuals, irrespective of religious affiliations.