Abstract: Scholarly and societal views regarding adolescent pregnancy being a socio-medical casualty, and patterned disparity in family structure, explain the archetypal mythic which presented itself as a form of powerlessness and overt violation in the lives of adolescent mothers. The aim of this research is to determine the extent to which the socio-economic outcome of adolescent mothers is influenced by cultural dictates including the position of powerlessness.
This qualitative study targeted 12 former adolescent mothers within the age cohort of 25-36 years old, who became pregnant when they were between 11-17 years old. Snowball sampling method was used to capture information from 10 participants (2 had opted out). Primary data (captured over a three-month period) were analysed using manual count and triangulation. Secondary information was obtained over a four-year period.
Of the 10 former adolescent mother participants, eight obtained favourable educational and socio-economic outcomes; five of whom were from non-financially viable background; seven from urban area, and three from rural area. Their outcomes were on the premise of strong resilience, and support obtained from family, friends, and the adolescent programme/institution in which they had participated.
Keywords: Adolescent Pregnancy/Motherhood, Powerlessness, Culture.
Title: Adolescent Motherhood in Jamaica: A Social State of Powerlessness?
Author: Dr. Tazhmoye V. Crawford
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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