Teenage Pregnancy: A Theoretical Analysis of a Social Problem

• NCJ Number: 119166
• Journal: Adolescence Volume: 24 Issue: 93 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 19-28
• Author(s): R A Davis
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Earlier version of paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Sociological Association, Dallas, March 1987

Annotation

This paper begins by contrasting the two basic ways of defining a social problem (i.e., as a "problem" in society or of society).

Abstract

The implications of these two definitions are discussed within the context of the various approaches which have emerged from each. A typology is then developed which allows these divergent approaches to be synthesized into three broad categories (social disorganizational, social definitional, and social organizational). This typology helps to further clarify the implications of isolating certain noxious conditions (whether personal or social) and conceptualizing them as social problems. These implications for the emergence, scope, and possible solution to the problem of teenage pregnancy are discussed. The paper concludes with a theoretical critique that leaves little room for optimism about the piecemeal solutions to teenage pregnancy offered by either the social disorganizational or the social definitional approaches, yet it recognizes the unlikely prospects that the holistic solution is likely to be adopted soon. The paper thus concludes that this problem is likely to be with us for some time to come, and the best thing that we can hope to do is to treat the symptoms. 21 references. (Author abstract)