The Importance of Having Children in Pakistani Society

This study is based on the data collected from 196 currently married women, aged 18-45 years from Faisalabad, Pakistan in 1992. Using triangulation strategy, this study tried to identify the importance and value of having children in people's life that is an advancement towards understanding the determinants of fertility behaviour. The analysis argued that in this population, there are several values that are conducive to high fertility. ln these social milieu children are seen not only aa prime source of prestige and security, and source of income right from their childhood Moreover, children are also seen as a source of love, affection, satisfaction, and hope for many parents. This lead to the conclusion that along as children remain the main source of security parents will continue to entertain large family.