Investigation of the nature of formal and informal social support for young mothers in Salford, and its impact upon their experience of social exclusion

McLeod, A

Abstract

Teenage pregnancy has been identified as a socially excluding experience.
UK policy initiatives have sought to reduce the prevalence of teenage
pregnancy and also to provide social support to young mothers. The
conceptual and political underpinnings of the UK approach have been critically
examined in terms of how they aim to tackle social inclusion. The nature of
both formal and informal social support for young mothers during and after
pregnancy is a complex area for study. There is little available evidence on
how support for teenage mothers can constitute social capital. The potential
impact of this support on social exclusion is unknown.The aim of the study is
to examine teenage mothers' experiences of social support and social capital.
A qualitative approach was taken to data collection based around an
established model of social support. Semi-structured interviews were
undertaken with 10 employees from voluntary and statutory services with
specialist young parenting provision. In-depth semi-structured interviews
were undertaken with 18 young mothers during pregnancy, and from a new
sample of 10 young mothers following the birth of their child. The study took
place in a deprived inner city in the UK.
Most support was provided from mothers own mothers but these relationships
were often fragile, and networks tenuous. Wider support networks are
missing within their social environment. Supportive relationships often became
strained through over-dependence and relationships are sometimes
detrimental to establishing social inclusion. Support that young mothers did
receive was useful in helping them cope on a day to day level but did not
constitute a form of social capital (e.g. bridging capital) that could provide
opportunities for social inclusion.
Policy initiatives focussed on increasing social inclusion through employment
and moral integration may have contributed to the problematisation of young
motherhood. Providers could do more to address the real problems of
deprivation. A new policy direction in the UK could not only facilitate this change but also could go some way to promoting the currently under-valued
role of young mothers in society.

Citation

McLeod, A. Investigation of the nature of formal and informal social support for young mothers in Salford, and its impact upon their experience of social exclusion. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2011