The life-world of the schoolgirl-mother
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Date
2000
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the life-world of the schoolgirl-mother. The study commenced with an orientation framework in which the problem of the high incidence of teenage pregnancies was analyzed.
The orientation to this study is followed by a chapter concerning the design of the research, substantiating the choice of format, methods of data collection and analysis. A qualitative research method was chosen on account of its explorative, descriptive and contextual nature. Data was collected by means of interviews with schoolgirl-mothers. The data was analyzed by using a phenomenological approach in which emerging themes were identified. This was followed by a literature review to compare and complement the qualitative data analysis.
The results from the qualitative research showed that adolescent girls are not adequately informed about the meaning of the onset of menarche and this lack of authentic knowledge may result in teenage pregnancy while still in school. Most girls fell pregnant between the ages of 15 and 17 years. Schoolgirl-mothers also indicated their lack of knowledge concerning the availability and use of contraceptives. The study revealed a relation between socio-economic status and teenage pregnancy and a recurrence of adolescent parents with each new generation. Teenage pregnancy is associated with interruption in schooling and school dropout.
In the literature review the life-world of the schoolgirl-mother was discussed. She can only form a meaningful life-world by forming meaningful relationships with the self, other people, things and ideas and religion. Being a teenage mother causes these relationships to become impaired because the girl is not mature enough or emotionally ready for the responsibilities of motherhood.
The study concludes with findings from the research and the following recommendations were made:
Accountable sexuality education must be available to all teenagers.
Clinics must be easily accessible with adequately equipped personnel to assist teenagers on all aspects of sexuality.
Description
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2000.
Keywords
Teenage pregnancy