Analyzing the Problem: The Social Definition of Teenage Pregnancy

People think that the definition of teenage pregnancy should be limited to the basic concept that girls aged 19 or younger already have the ability to conceive and reproduce. However, experts argue that everyone should look beyond the concepts in our vocabulary books.

Without a doubt, teenage pregnancy is one of the most devastating problems that can strike women regardless of their social class, educational attainment, and social inclinations. It is a widespread problem that concerns everybody primarily because it affects not only the teenage parents but their families, communities, and the whole society as well. Experts even note that in order to fully address this national problem, people should be taught to look at teenage pregnancy not just as somebody else’s burden but as a social phenomenon that concerns all.

Teenage pregnancy, a product of various social factors

When one considers the definition of teenage pregnancy, people should regard the problem as a product of various social factors – poverty, lack of education, liberation, democracy, and youth empowerment. Although the rate of teen pregnancy continuously decline year by year since 1990, it should be noted that still, the numbers are terribly alarming. According to experts, the decline should be attributed to the increase in the use of condoms but since no contraceptive provides 100% protection, teenagers should be taught the importance of abstinence. Such seems to be quite impossible since more and more teenagers are becoming sexually active.

Product of pop culture…

Looking at the social definition of teenage pregnancy, it should be noted that adolescent pregnancy is a product of the various components of pop culture. As observed, the youth of today are growing up in a society that promotes the idea that unmarried sexual relationships are very common and even “accepted”. This concept is promoted by various TV series, movies, music, and magazines. What’s more is that although premarital sex is regarded as an “expected action” from many teenagers, the society also lacks awareness and education on responsible sexual actions.

Why teenage pregnancy is a social concern

Following the social definition of teenage pregnancy, it should be noted that this problem should receive national attention. Note that at the individual level, teenage pregnancy can potentially cause poverty, distress, abortion, malnourishment, death, and other problems. At the national level, however, such causes an increase in national poverty and the incidence of crime and domestic violence. It also lessens the supposedly huge number of the country’s labor force while raising the national budget allotment for child support, domestic violence, public education, and more. With these reasons and more, every one should pay attention to this problem. GP