Hamley, Jemma (2026) Teenage motherhood: stigma and wellbeing. In: Fouché, Christa, and Beddoe, Liz, (eds.) Elgar Encyclopedia of Social Work. Elgar Encyclopedias in the Social Sciences series . Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, UK, pp. 226-228.

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Abstract

Although it may be perceived widely that stigma experienced by young mothers has been consigned to a past era, a growing body of literature suggests that there remains a pervasive social stigma surrounding teenage motherhood. Such stigma has changed in construct over recent decades and has its roots in young mothers' marginalized position within the socio-political order as members of often devalued income and racial groups. Teenage motherhood is associated with significant disadvantage in western industrialized countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Stigma can have a range of negative impacts on young mothers; social and emotional wellbeing, and thereby has the potential to further compound the inequitable distribution of life chances faced by women from within this social group. It is proposed that knowledge of areas of oppression that young mothers must navigate is paramount in responding to, and challenging, political, and social processes that influence young mothers' lives.

Item ID:	94024
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Reference)
ISBN:	9781035310234
Copyright Information:	Copyright: The Editors and Contributors Severally 2026
Date Deposited:	14 Sep 2026 01:53
FoR Codes:	44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440902 Counselling, wellbeing and community services @ 50% 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4405 Gender studies > 440505 Intersectional studies @ 50%
SEO Codes:	13 CULTURE AND SOCIETY > 1399 Other culture and society > 139999 Other culture and society not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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