Understanding Early Pregnancies: Sociocultural Factors of Teenage Childbearing in Gaborone, Botswana

The potential risk of being exposed to HIV/AIDS has structured the ways teenage or out-of-wedlock pregnancies are studied and treated in Botswana. We used feminist ethnographic research methods which focus on the narratives of young women and their social networks to understand this phenomenon. Looking at the issue from the adolescent girls' perspective reveals that such pregnancies have always existed, and their continued existence can be attributed to local sociocultural perceptions of fertility, pregnancy, and marriage. We show that the young mothers continue with their lives without being labeled as social outcasts and that they are supported by family networks. Social policies intended to provide health services need to restructure those services based on a culturally sensitive model outlined in this article.

Automated summary

The potential risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS has influenced the study and treatment of teenage or out-of-wedlock pregnancies in Botswana. Feminist ethnographic research methods were used to focus on the narratives of young women and their social networks. The research reveals that such pregnancies are influenced by local sociocultural perceptions, but young mothers continue their lives with support from family networks and without being socially ostracized.