This paper examines the association between social networks and contraceptive use. Using
data from a survey of women belonging to voluntary associations in Yaoundé, Cameroon,
we find that the behavior and characteristics of the members of a respondent's personal
networks are associated with her contraceptive use, over and above a set of her own
individual characteristics that are usually found to be important. Respondents who report
that their network partners approve of contraception, use it, and encourage the respondent …