Educational aspirations and views about pregnancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Townsville, Australia
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
In this article the authors discuss attitudes to schooling, aspirations and views about teenage pregnancy in a group of Indigenous young people in Townsville, Australia, using novel mixed-methods to investigate complex social attitudes and behaviours. A Young Mums' Group operating on participatory action principles designed the instruments, including a computer-assisted survey with peer interviewers, focus group discussions and individual interviews with school students, homeless youth shelter residents and young mothers. The authors found that many young people, especially young women, had high educational aspirations, as did their parents. However. they were lacking in role models and clear pathways to help them achieve these aims, making them seem unattainable. The majority wanted to avoid pregnancy as a teenager, recognising difficulties inherent in this path, but if they became pregnant, most would receive family support, and would not consider options other than having the child. Parenthood as a teenager had fewer costs in terms of negative judgement or limitations on educational achievement than it had for more advantaged young people. The authors conclude that improving educational pathways and transitions may increase intra-community role models and mentors. broadening options, and empowering young women to take the steps required to defer motherhood.
Journal
N/A
Publication Name
N/A
Volume
18
ISBN/ISSN
1039-382X
Edition
N/A
Issue
3
Pages Count
8
Location
N/A
Publisher
The Association of Women Educators
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
N/A