While teen fatherhood falls outside the scope of traditional norms, values, and expectations, it has become a serious social-health problem in Africa and Kenya in particular. Teen fathers are neglected by educational, social research and interventions, hence lacking in previous and current discourses on pregnancy, birth and childbearing, which has traditionally been viewed as a female affair.
Drawing experiences from Western Kenya in particular Kisii and Vihiga counties, the study sought to understand how teen fathers, and parents’ perceptions and attitudes toward teen fathers influence vulnerability and policy implications in Kenya. The study used mixed research methodology to explore parents and teen fathers’ experiences and perceptions. The study used a questionnaire for data collection from the general population, interviews with parents and selected teen fathers. Data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. The study found that teenage fathers are unacceptable in the society, deemed ignorant, careless, uncaring, and social deviants. The study revealed that the majority of teen fathers were unable to meet parental obligations due to unemployment, lack of parenting knowledge due to age, and educational obligation as most are still in school.
The study concludes that becoming a teen father is a significant and critical life event manifesting developmental crisis. Teen fathers endure conflict of future role, accepting impending fatherhood and negative society perception towards them. The study recommends that interventions designed should consider incorporating teen fathers as a way of addressing their needs as well as mitigating against future teenage pregnancies. There is also a need to create awareness to families and communities on the need for social acceptance of teen fathers and mould the victims to adopt acceptable behaviour and be responsible in the society.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Statement of the Problem
1.2 Significance of the study
2.0 Research Methodology
3.0 Findings and Discussions
3.1 Age Distribution of Teenagers’ Engagement in First Sex
3.2 Knowledge of Existence of Teen Fathers
3.3 Involvement in Pregnancy and Child Care
3.4 Perception and Experiences of Teenage Fatherhood
3.5 Support offered to Teenage Fathers
5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
Research Objectives and Themes
The study aims to investigate the social and cultural factors contributing to the neglect of teen fathers in Western Kenya, exploring their unique needs, experiences, and the societal perceptions that influence their vulnerability and access to support systems.
- Social construction of teenage fatherhood and masculinity.
- The impact of cultural stigma on teen fathers' parental involvement.
- Barriers to educational and social support for young fathers.
- The transition into fatherhood during adolescence as a developmental crisis.
- Mitigation strategies for policy improvement and social acceptance.
Excerpt from the Book
3.4 Perception and Experiences of Teenage Fatherhood
Societal expectations, cultural norms and beliefs have repercussions on the teen fathers’ identities, relationships and lived experiences of fatherhood. For many adolescents in western Kenya, sex activities have been perceived by teens as morally equivalent to usual free time activities that they enjoy together. Due to this perception, teens are increasingly exposed to disease and premature death. The study sought to understand the experiences of teenage fatherhood and the attitude and perception from the community. The study investigated how the parents viewed teenage fathers. An interview with teenage fathers indicated that immediately they were suspected as fathers, their relations with parents and other society members changed to hostility. One of the parents indicated:
“The girl was brought to our home and the parents explained that she was carrying my baby. This was my worst day as my parents ruffed me up. I had to run away for sometimes”.
Another Informant noted that:
“The reaction varied by the groups as fellow teens will mock you as a real man but will isolate themselves from you. Parents also advised their boy children not to associate themselves with such a person.”
An interview with the parents of teen fathers revealed that such boys are considered naughty, social misfits and a problem to the community. One informant pointed out that:
“Most of these boys who impregnate girls are those who have overpowered their parents or those who dropped out of school” They engage in drugs, alcohol and other mischief in the community”.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter contextualizes teenage fatherhood as a critical social-health issue often overlooked by traditional research and societal norms in Kenya.
2.0 Research Methodology: The study employs a cross-sectional mixed-methods design in Kisii and Vihiga counties to gather data from the general population, parents, and teenage fathers.
3.0 Findings and Discussions: This section presents empirical data on sexual initiation, societal awareness, parental involvement levels, and the socio-cultural challenges faced by teen fathers.
5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations: The study summarizes the developmental crisis inherent in teen fatherhood and advocates for inclusive policies that address the specific needs of young fathers.
Keywords
Teen fatherhood, Vulnerability, Masculinity, Societal implications, Teenage pregnancy, Social construction, Adolescent parenting, Cultural norms, Support systems, Gender identity, Social stigma, Kenya, Education, Developmental crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the often-neglected phenomenon of teenage fatherhood in Western Kenya, specifically looking at how societal perceptions and cultural norms influence the vulnerability and lives of teen fathers.
What are the central themes of the work?
The core themes include the social construction of masculinity, the stigma attached to early fatherhood, the impact of economic and family constraints, and the gap in current support interventions.
What is the core research question?
The study seeks to understand how teen fathers, along with parental and societal perceptions, influence the vulnerability of adolescent fathers and what the resulting policy implications are for the Kenyan context.
What methodology was used in this study?
The authors utilized a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative questionnaires administered to 370 respondents and qualitative in-depth interviews with key informants such as parents and the fathers themselves.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body details the findings regarding the age of sexual initiation, the level of knowledge about teen fathers in communities, the actual involvement of these fathers in childcare, and the types of support they receive.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include teen fatherhood, vulnerability, masculinity, social construction, adolescent parenting, and societal implications.
Why are teen fathers often considered 'social deviants' in Western Kenya?
The culture often views them as irresponsible and a threat to the future of the girl child; they are frequently blamed for dropping out of school and engaging in social mischief, leading to stigmatization.
How does the financial situation affect the role of the teenage father?
Most teen fathers lack employment and are still in school, which makes it extremely difficult for them to meet the societal expectation of being a financial provider, leading to further distress and negative psychological impacts.
What does the conceptual model in chapter 3 propose?
The model illustrates the relationship between the teen father (characterized by social deviance and irresponsibility) and three pillars: engagement with the child, physical availability, and responsibility for provision, highlighting the need for social structures to support these functions.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dina Were (Autor:in), Peter Gutwa Oino (Autor:in), 2020, Teenage Fatherhood. Social Construction, Vulnerability and Societal Implication in Western Kenya, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/585135
