Abstract
This thesis examines the cross-cultural meanings affixed to adolescent pregnancy. To greater understand the complex cycle of young motherhood, it is necessary to evaluate the forces which influence and guide adolescents in their sexual conduct and pregnancy attitudes. This analysis may help us form culturally sensitive programs designed to support a teen before, after, and during pregnancy, and subsequently work to improve her life chances. This examination was performed by conducting interviews with fourteen working class, racially diverse young pregnant women, and comparing the results with past research, literature, and theory. It was found that indeed there are culturally distinct tendencies toward viewing and adjusting to teen pregnancy, as well as varying levels of assistance and positive outlook indicated from the support networks. Correlating with past literature, it was found that while Mexican-Americans and Puerto Rican-Americans receive positive support from their families, EuroAmericans must rely on their peers and social programs for primary support. African-Americans had relatively high levels of support from all networks examined, including the family, peer group, and the father of the child. To broaden the scope of the data, other variables such as household composition, personal pregnancy attitudes, and educational support systems were also addressed.
Advisor
Kershaw, Terry
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Faulkner, Alden, "Senior Independent Study Thesis in Sociology" (1993). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5563.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5563
Publication Date
1993
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1993 Alden Faulkner