The Research, Publications and Scholarship Committee at the Faculty for Social Wellbeing is organising a talk by Dr Andreana Dibben. The talk, entitled 'Teenage Pregnancy and Motherhood in Malta: A Feminist Ethnography', will be held on Wednesday 1 November, from 12:00 to 14:00 in Room 420, Humanities B (FEMA Building).
Abstract
Teenage mothers, often being single and relying on welfare benefits, challenge the circumstances in which women are supposed to bear children (Mc Dermott, 2005). Teenage pregnancy is often further entangled in wider discourses on uncontrolled female sexuality, decline of traditional family structures or the threat of the 'underclass' who expect their poor choices to be supported by the state (Duncan, 2007).
This presentation will outline the major themes and conclusions which emerged from a doctoral study. The aim of this ethnographic study was to portray detailed accounts of how pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers in a school-based service defined their situation in the context of the policies and services that framed their lives. The fieldwork was undertaken over a sixteen month period in an alternative educational programme and data was collected through participant observation and interviews with 24 participants ranging in age from 12 to 20 years.
For reservations contact Ms Lucienne Brincat on +356 2340 3732 or send an email to research.fsw@um.edu.mt