Parents’ perceptions towards teenage pregnancies: a case study of Musanhi secondary school in Mutoko district · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Nyagawa, Dadirai

Title

Parents’ perceptions towards teenage pregnancies: a case study of Musanhi secondary school in Mutoko district

Abstract

The study has examined the problem of teenage pregnancies, how it affects families, the teenagers involved and parents' perceptions towards teenage pregnancies. To achieve this the researcher used the purposive sampling in selecting the sample which consists of fourteen respondents. The sample included six parents, six affected teenagers and two guidance and counselling teachers of the Secondary school selected. Purposive sampling was used because the researcher wanted to gather the best information to achieve the objective of the study. Qualitative methodology was preferred to present data as it is reach in giving in depth understanding of the phenomena. The researcher also used the labelling theory to explain the stigma associated with teenage pregnancies as well as the modernisation concept to explain the changes brought by modernity and its effects on moral values of societies. The study noted that teenage pregnancy has become an international problem of which parents are faced by complex of problems associated with teenage pregnancies ranging from economic and social constraints. The researcher also noted that parents are eager to combat the problem but they do not agree especially to the idea of provision of contraceptives in schools. Parents also lament that modernity has destroyed traditional ways of avoiding the problem while teenagers claim that parents are reluctant to educate them about sex in the family set up and as a result they turn to the media for help. The researcher noted that parents are rejecting their daughters for becoming pregnant whilst boys are excluded in this due to deep rooted partrichial tradition. However it was noted that parents are contributing to the increase of the problem as they are failing to provide the basics that are needed by the family which leads to teenage prostitution. Other parents are engaging their daughters to older men because of economic gains thereby increasing the rate of teenage pregnancies. The researcher noted that even though teenage pregnancy is increasing in Mutoko district, it remains a problem as modes of communication are providing information which makes teenagers are eager to experiment.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Teenage Pregnancies

Supervisor

Mrs. Tsungirai B. Mtetwa