“Investigating the Reasons Why Couples with Favorable Social Status Avoid Childbearing Among University Employees: A Qualitative Case Study in Iran”

This qualitative case study examines the factors influencing childbearing reluctance among university-employed couples with favorable socioeconomic status in Iran. Through semi-­structured interviews with twelve participants from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, the research highlights the complex interplay of cultural, social, policy-related, economic, and individual factors. Cultural and social concerns were the most significant, including ideological conflicts, diminished optimism about future societal conditions, and anxiety about child-rearing in limited educational and recreational environments. Participants frequently cited social tensions, the erosion of traditional values, and the fear of exposing children to an uncertain future as key deterrents, reflecting broader societal anxieties. Policy-related barriers were also significant, such as insufficient maternity leave, lack of support for working mothers, and ineffective fertility-promoting initiatives. While economic pressures, especially the rising cost of quality education and childcare, were acknowledged, they did not consistently overshadow cultural or policy-related issues. Individual circumstances like caregiving responsibilities, professional demands, and health constraints were less influential. The study found that uniform policies can’t motivate childbearing in diverse groups, so Tailored interventions that target cultural challenges, institutional deficiencies, and psychosocial needs are essential for influencing fertility behaviors.