Revelations of adolescent mothers: an intensive case-study approach

An intensive case-study approach was utilized with a sample of low-income females (19 black, 1 white) enrolled in a program for adolescent mothers. Audiotaped interviews examined self-image, gender role beliefs, relationships, ways of knowing, and future plans. Participants revealed a positive self-image, an association of womanhood with motherhood, an ability to picture themselves in a variety of future roles and relationships, negative attitudes toward men, matriarchal family structures, and subjective ways of knowing. The results were interpreted in the context of identity formation. Limitations included the presence of white interviewers and confounding effects of program participation. The findings have implications for future research in relationship and courtship patterns of the black subculture and the role of motherhood in identity development.