The Stigmas Associated with Teen Parenting: How Gender-Stereotypical Expectations Contribute

downloadDownload
Download PDF

Abstract

One hundred three students from a small liberal arts college rated statements about potential stigma associated with unmarried, teen parents. After reading a scenario describing a typical unmarried teen couple’s pregnancy and early parenting experiences, participants indicated their level of agreement with 12 statements for either the mother or the father. T-test comparisons of the items indicated that the focus of attention is on the mother, in both positive and negative ways. Compared to unmarried teen fathers, unmarried, teen mothers were seen more sexually promiscuous and too young to be a parent. On the other hand, mothers were also rated as significantly better parents, spending more time with their child, and more responsible. Unmarried teen fathers were seen as significantly more ambitious, but respondents thought it was more important for mothers to continue their education. Results reinforce the idea that unmarried teen mothers are expected to bear a disproportionate amount of the burden of caring for their child. Knowledge of these results could lead to greater sensitivity toward unmarried teen parents and to more helpful support, which could help them and their children succeed despite their circumstances.

Keywords: Gender Stereotypes; Pregnant and parenting teens; Stigma

Click to get a unique essay

Our writers can write you a new plagiarism-free essay on any topic

Stigma Associated With Teen Parenting: How Gender-Stereotypical Expectations Contribute

A gender stereotype is a generalized view or preconception about the roles and characteristics of men and women. Gender-stereotypical expectations influence the way we judge the abilities of men and women. Ellemers (2018) found that stereotypes affect the way people interpret and attend to information about themselves and others. MacNell (2015) indicated that gender stereotypes can have significant consequences for the career development, education experience, and income level for males and females. Not only can these stereotypes impact a person’s career and educational experience, but they can also affect how they are perceived as a parent.

According to Fuegen, Biernat, Haines, and Deaux (2004), gender stereotypes can interfere with parental roles, affecting the judgments of mothers and fathers. Because of gender-stereotyping, attitudes towards parents is implicitly guided. When women become mothers, society assumes that they are caring for their children and less ambitious in their careers. Whereas, when men become fathers, they do not receive that negative assumption. Instead, fathers are looked at as hard working and responsible (Lyness & Judiesch, 2014). Lyness and Judiesch (2014) found that when both men and women with children applied for the same job, women with children were less likely to be recommended for a job, however, their male counterparts, with the same credentials, were more likely to be recommended. Etaugh and Folger (1998) found that because of gender roles and expectations, mothers who are employed full-time are perceived as less-nurturing and less professionally competent than full-time employed fathers. Gender stereotypes of parents between the ages of 25 to 45 has been extensively researched, but less is known about mothers and fathers who take on the parental role during adolescence.

Research that does exist suggests that pregnant and parenting teens are negatively stereotyped and stigmatized (Weed & Nicholson, 2014). For instance, teen mothers reported that they received negative judgments involving their age, and being unfit to be a mother, some even having been perceived as sexually promiscuous, whereas teen fathers just felt the pressure to provide for and be involved in the life of their child (Wilkes, Mannix, & Jackson, 2012). Weber (2012) conducted in-depth interviews with unmarried teen fathers about their experiences and found that young men were labeled as selfish and uncaring. Many of these fathers said they felt as if they had to prove their masculinity, and that their involvement in the pregnancy was one way to signify their manhood (Weber, 2012). Richards, Dunn, & Antonis, (1977) found that in the first year of their child’s life, teen fathers regularly played with their children, but rarely engaged in caretaking activities.

In comparing the stigma experienced by mothers and fathers, Weed and Nicholson, (2014) found that mothers were more likely to experience negative stigma associated with their pregnancy—from strangers, educators, and healthcare providers—in the form of disapproving facial expressions and body language, judgmental comments, and harsh treatment. Comments indicated that pregnant and parenting teen mothers are too young, irresponsible, and ruining their lives, that they got pregnant because they are lazy, and having a baby is an easy way to get in the welfare system (Yardley, 2008).

The purpose of our student was to investigate how college students stigmatize unmarried teen mothers and fathers, potentially in different ways. After reading a scenario describing a typical teen pregnancy and parenting situation, I hypothesized that students rating the mother would respond more negatively than the students rating the father.

Method

Participants

One hundred and three college students (43 women and 60 men), aged 18 to 22, participated in the study. Using a convenience sampling method, most of the participants were either members of Greek organizations and/or psychology majors, and were given points for participating that they could use for extra-credit in certain psychology courses. Participants completed their surveys in small groups and were treated in accord with APA ethical standards.

Materials

After signing consent forms, participants read a scenario describing a typical teenage pregnancy and early parenting situation. Both the mother and father were portrayed in the scenario. Participants then responded to 12 Likert-like items on a five-point scale ranging from 1= strongly disagree to 5= strongly agree. Half of the participants were asked to rate the mother and half the father; items for the mother and father version were identical.

Procedure

Completed consent forms were placed in a folder separate from where the completed surveys were kept, to ensure anonymity. After all consent forms were gathered, participants received the scenario and one of the two surveys, randomly assigned to participants. The average time it took to complete survey was about 7 minutes. After completion, the surveys were placed in a separate folder, and the participants were thanked for their participation and debriefed orally about the purpose of the study.

Results

Each of the 12 items was analyzed using an independent-groups t-test. Results showed significant differences in mother and father ratings for seven of the items. Participants rating mothers were more likely to agree that they were sexually promiscuous (t(101) = 4.20, p

image

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.