Young Mothers

Perceptions of Young Mothers

In some countries, giving birth at a young age carries a social stigma: for instance, the fact that U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol had a child at age 18 received much negative publicity. Most news stories about teenage mothers concentrate on negative characteristics such as birth complications, poverty, and juvenile delinquency. However, many young mothers resist this stereotyping and insist that young parenthood is not always a negative experience. Since the 1980s, research has shown that young mothers distance themselves from some of the negative assumptions associated with young parenthood. This is demonstrated not least by the a number of Websites dedicated to self-help and positive self identity for young mothers and teen mothers, such as The Young Mommies Help Site, Girl-Mom, and Respect Young Mums. However, although young mothers resist these outsider perceptions, they accept and aspire to other aspects of it, combining acceptance and resistance. Research [Page 1289]also provides evidence of prejudice between young mothers themselves, with some young mothers distancing themselves from other young mothers.

Experiences and Support of Young Mothers

Becoming a mother and adapting to motherhood is a huge life transition at any age, one that is often characterized by anxiety and ambivalence, even fear and depression. For some young mothers, the social and material circumstances of their lives, coupled with prejudice and discrimination, can add to the pressures of mothering. However, younger mothers often, not surprisingly, have more energy than older mothers, and may find that aspect of the experience less stressful than older women who can find the transition to mothering a greater challenge to their previous identity. Even though younger mothers are likely to be poorer, many young mothers speak of the pleasures of parenthood, and affirm their decision to have a child and say that their lives had been improved and enriched through parenting. Becoming a mother may offer young women opportunities to re-engage with wider society and effect a transition into more socially inclusive lifestyles and behavior. In addition, as motherhood is often associated with adulthood, young mothers may feel a powerful sense of achievement.

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