The Vicious Cycle of Teenage Motherhood: A case study in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Teenage sexual behaviours link to the theoretical framework of the study that negative psychosocial upbringing could lead to a disastrous adolescence. In turn, this could lead to a chain of teenage motherhood or intergenerational vicious cycle of teenage motherhood which could be caused by the problem of identity confusion. The social exchange theory outlines the reciprocal benefits between the teenage mothers and those who provide the basic needs for them who mostly become old men and their children. The social learning theory of Bandura has outlined that possibility of imitating the behaviours of the parents/ guardians by the offspring. The children as the true reflection of how their families are. The socioeconomic challenge of the children of teenage mothers could lead them to be victims of early parenthood due to factors such as poor role-modelling, exposure to destructive activities such as, sexual intercourse and negative peer pressure. The social exchange theory has outlined that the aetiology of teenage motherhood can be traced in the society where the basic needs are not easily acquired. As a result, those who have services monopolise on those who are demanding such services in exchange of favours.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n10p536