The culture of African American adolescent mothers.
Item
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Title
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The culture of African American adolescent mothers.
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Identifier
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AAI9807977
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identifier
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9807977
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Creator
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Omolade, Barbara.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Judith Lorber
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Date
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1997
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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, Ethnic and Racial Studies | Women's Studies | Sociology, Individual and Family Studies | Black Studies
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Abstract
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In this study, African American adolescent motherhood, is considered a social phenomenon rather than merely a social problem related to reproducing poverty and racism. This study presents an analysis of teen mothering that explores the influence of adolescent and motherhood cultures on young Black women.;In the dominant adolescent culture within the Black community as well as among other social groups, teen sexual freedom is openly displayed and advocated. Moreover adolescent female preoccupation with romance and beautification reinforce and strengthen adolescent sexual practices and help explain why young women become pregnant.;On the other hand, the historic cultural patterns of motherhood among African American women help to explain why Black pregnant teens decide to become mothers. The culture of Black motherhood created by adult women is composed of networks and patterns that support diverse forms of family formation including those of adolescent mothers.;The cultural approach of this study provides the context for understanding an ethnography of residents in a shelter for homeless teen mothers. These young women are addressing the tensions between single mothering or romantic coupling; and balancing mothering, working, and going to school.;Furthermore, motherhood among young Black women is occurring within the context of significant transformations in gender among all social groups especially the separation of sexuality and parenting from marriage. The cultual dimensions of Black teen motherhood highlighted in this study are viewed against the backdrop of these gender changes and shifts in the economy especially the downsizing of the public sector and changes in welfare policy.
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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.
