Teenage pregnancy and its 'negative' consequences: review of South African research - Part 1
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:21005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5982 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/008124639902900101
- Description: Teenage pregnancy emerged as a social issue within the United States in the 1970s, and somewhat later in South Africa, In this article I review South African research and literature concerning the consequences of teenage pregnancy, because it is on this level that teenage pregnancy is formulated as a problem, The literature is reviewed against the backdrop of some international research in order to provide a basis for comparison, Research on the disruption of schooling, socio-economic disadvantage, obstetric outcomes, inadequate mothering, neglect and abuse, relationship difficulties and demographic concerns is reviewed, Various gaps in the South African literature are identified, These include an inadequate theoretical grounding, a lack of gender and historical analyses, and no exploration of the power relations within which teenage pregnancy occurs.
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- Date Issued: 1999
The 'causes' of teenage pregnancy: review of South African research - Part 2
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:21011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5993 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/008124639902900102
- Description: This article forms the second of a two-part series in which South African research on teenage pregnancy is reviewed. Part 1 of the series dealt with the consequences of teenage pregnancy; this paper reviews the 'causes' thereof. International literature is incorporated in the discussion by way of comparison. Contributory factors which have been investigated by South African researchers include: reproductive ignorance; the earlier occurrence of menarche; risktaking behaviour; psychological problems; peer influence; co-ercive sexual relations; dysfunctional family patterns; poor health services; socio-economic status; the breakdown of cultural traditions; and the cultural value placed on children. Preston-Whyte and colleagues present a revisionist argument, stating that early pregnancy may represent a rational life choice for certain adolescent women. The article is concluded with comments on methodological problems encountered in the South African research, and a discussion on the implications in terms of policy formulation.
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- Date Issued: 1999