THE STATUS TRANSITION OF LOW-INCOME TEENAGE MOTHERS (ADOLESCENCE, BEHAVIOR).
Item
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Title
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THE STATUS TRANSITION OF LOW-INCOME TEENAGE MOTHERS (ADOLESCENCE, BEHAVIOR).
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Identifier
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AAI8611366
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identifier
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8611366
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Creator
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MAYFIELD, LORRAINE PATRICIA.
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Contributor
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Hylan Lewis
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Date
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1986
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Sociology, Individual and Family Studies
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Abstract
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This study of the status transition of low-income females concentrates on the pathways to adulthood. The change from adolescence to adulthood is a complex process in American society, both in the timing and in the sequencing of events which mark the transition and reflect social norms. In this investigation of young women's status transition, the hypotheses are keyed to expect racial and age differences. The quantitative data used in this research come from a 1978 baseline survey of low-income young people who were eligible for the Youth Incentive Entitlement Pilot Program (YIEPP). Using this national stratified random sample, this analysis examines the family backgrounds, schools, jobs, and aspirations of 3,832 young women, aged 15-19 years, who live in both urban and rural poverty areas. I hypothesize that adolescent motherhood will modify the adolescent status and life course of young women in significant ways. The technique of event analysis is used to identify changes in social status.;The analysis of the situations and the behaviors of teenage mothers and their positions in three social institutions shows considerable variation in pathways to becoming an adult. Two main themes emerge: first, the event of becoming a mother during her school years creates for a young woman an abrupt transition to adult status; second, the variation in the status transition of school-aged mothers is influenced by both race and age.;White mothers are significantly more likely than black youths to choose the pathway of early marriage and family formation, while black mothers are more likely to delay marriage and to continue to receive family support. Younger mothers (ages 15-17 years) in contrast to older mothers (ages 18-19 years) are more likely to maintain social relationships that reflect adolescent status. The career aspirations of teenage mothers that are projected for age 30 appear to be unrealistically high and not feasible, given these mothers' low educational aspirations.;The adulthood status of school-aged mothers is economically marginal inasmuch as a majority remain economically dependent either on poor families or on financially insecure husbands.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Sociology
