Teenage Pregnancy, Parenting and Intergenerational Relations

Drawing on interviews and focus groups with young mothers and fathers, their parents and other relatives, this book provides a rich exploration of the experience of being a teenage parent now, and for earlier generations, closely examining teenage pregnancy and parenting in families where two or more generations have been teenage mothers. Brown also explores the cultural and social contexts of teenage parenting by including the views of people who have many years’ experience of working with young parents in health, social and welfare settings. The book challenges policy contexts which focus on negative aspects of teenage parenting, and shows that for many young people, parenting can be a positive experience. It will appeal to academics, policymakers and professionals with an interest in teenage pregnancy and parenting.

Introduction.- 1. ‘They’re not this kind of thing that you think they are’: patterns, trends and policy.- 2. ‘It feels like it’s a cultural thing in this area’: the study in context.- 3. ‘I was scared but I was happy’: getting pregnant as a teenager.- 4. I wouldn’t swap it for the world’: being a young parent.- 5. ‘It’s bringing new life in’: the baby and the wider family.- 6. ‘There’s a pattern going on there’: local contexts of teenage parenting.- 7. ‘It’s mad how much you grow up’: the future for young parents and their children.- 8. ‘My mum is a young mum and she’s done fine’: Conclusions. 

Sally Brown is lecturer in sociology at Edinburgh Napier University, UK. Her research interests include young people’s health and wellbeing, men’s health, screening, diagnosis and risk.