Teenage pregnancy in KwaZulu-Natal high schools : an action research project

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy in South African communities has become a socioeconomic challenge which has risen to greater heights with the passing of years. Although it may prove problematic in South Africa, it is not an exclusive issue for South African communities, as empirical evidence indicates that this is a worldwide problem where other countries, such as the United States, have recorded appalling teenage pregnancy frequencies. While teenage pregnancy is an important topic which deserves much research and attention, this study has streamlined it to its frequencies at high schools in South Africa, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The overarching aim of the study is was to find, understand and address the underlying issues behind teenage pregnancy and establish the factors responsible for reducing teenage pregnancies in South African schools. It should be noted that the focus was on teenage parenthood and its impact on the lives of young people, both male and female, family structures and socialisation. The study explored cultural and structural violence in South African families and its residual effects on the lives of these young individuals. The study is qualitative in nature and data were collected through the means of action research with the deployment of semi-structured interviews, focus groups discussions, narratives and observations. All the necessary documentation was gathered in adherence to ethical requirements as outlined by the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IREC), the findings suggest that teenage pregnancy is merely a smoke-screen, they point to lack of intimacy in parent-child relationship as a possible major cause for the phenomenon.