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dc.contributor.authorHigginbottom, Gina Marie Awoko
dc.contributor.authorMathers, N.
dc.contributor.authorMarsh, P.
dc.contributor.authorKirkham, M.
dc.contributor.authorOwen, J.M.
dc.contributor.authorSerrant-Green, Laura
dc.date.accessioned2008-06-04T11:30:40Z
dc.date.available2008-06-04T11:30:40Z
dc.date.issued2006
dc.identifier.citationSocial Science & Medicine, 63(4): 858-870
dc.identifier.issn0277-9536
dc.identifier.pmid16678322
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.socscimed.2006.03.011
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2436/29495
dc.description.abstractThe paper explores the phenomenon of early parenthood in minority ethnic communities in England. The data were collected using focus group interviews, in-depth semi-structured interviews and a telephone survey. The sample consisted of 139 participants (41 service providers, 10 grandmothers, 88 young parents). The findings map out the complexity and diversity of experience of early parenthood amongst young people of minority ethnic origin, not least the multiple attachments many experience in relation to their social groups, religious affiliations and the traditional patterns of parenting within their immediate and extended family. Both the young parents and professionals in this study constructed early parenthood in more positive terms than is currently portrayed in the contemporary policy. The findings are analysed and discussed in relation to ethnic identity, social inclusion and exclusion. We explore participants' attempts to counter negative 'deficit' models of early parenthood with reference to perspectives on youth, parenthood and contemporary strategic policy. In conclusion, we suggest an unambiguous focus on the reduction of pregnancy is not a credible message when teenage pregnancy is a social norm for a particular ethnic or cultural group. For young parents of Muslim faith in particular, teenage parenting within marriage is not necessarily considered a 'problem' or seen as a distinctive event. Most participants did not view early parenthood as a barrier to re-establishing career and educational aspirations. A wide diversity of experience amongst young parents is evidenced in the communities studied; this needs to be reflected more comprehensively both in UK policy and in support services.
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.relation.urlhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VBF-4JWFMP5-1&_user=1644469&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000054077&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=1644469&md5=0cc50d29089e931ae84df52b6117532b
dc.subjectYoung adults
dc.subjectMinority ethnic groups
dc.subjectEarly parenthood
dc.subjectSocial exclusion
dc.subjectUK
dc.subjectEngland
dc.subject.meshAdolescent
dc.subject.meshAttitude of Health Personnel
dc.subject.meshEngland
dc.subject.meshEthnic Groups
dc.subject.meshFemale
dc.subject.meshFocus Groups
dc.subject.meshHumans
dc.subject.meshInterviews as Topic
dc.subject.meshMale
dc.subject.meshMinority Groups
dc.subject.meshParenting
dc.subject.meshParents
dc.subject.meshPregnancy
dc.subject.meshPregnancy in Adolescence
dc.subject.meshPrejudice
dc.subject.meshSocial Isolation
dc.titleYoung people of minority ethnic origin in England and early parenthood: views from young parents and service providers.
dc.typeJournal article
dc.identifier.journalSocial Science & Medicine
html.description.abstractThe paper explores the phenomenon of early parenthood in minority ethnic communities in England. The data were collected using focus group interviews, in-depth semi-structured interviews and a telephone survey. The sample consisted of 139 participants (41 service providers, 10 grandmothers, 88 young parents). The findings map out the complexity and diversity of experience of early parenthood amongst young people of minority ethnic origin, not least the multiple attachments many experience in relation to their social groups, religious affiliations and the traditional patterns of parenting within their immediate and extended family. Both the young parents and professionals in this study constructed early parenthood in more positive terms than is currently portrayed in the contemporary policy. The findings are analysed and discussed in relation to ethnic identity, social inclusion and exclusion. We explore participants' attempts to counter negative 'deficit' models of early parenthood with reference to perspectives on youth, parenthood and contemporary strategic policy. In conclusion, we suggest an unambiguous focus on the reduction of pregnancy is not a credible message when teenage pregnancy is a social norm for a particular ethnic or cultural group. For young parents of Muslim faith in particular, teenage parenting within marriage is not necessarily considered a 'problem' or seen as a distinctive event. Most participants did not view early parenthood as a barrier to re-establishing career and educational aspirations. A wide diversity of experience amongst young parents is evidenced in the communities studied; this needs to be reflected more comprehensively both in UK policy and in support services.


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