Teenage Fatherhood. Social Construction, Vulnerability and Societal Implication in Western Kenya

Abstract or Introduction

While teen fatherhood falls outside the scope of traditional norms, values, and expectations, it has become a serious social-health problem in Africa and Kenya in particular. Teen fathers are neglected by educational, social research and interventions, hence lacking in previous and current discourses on pregnancy, birth and childbearing, which has traditionally been viewed as a female affair.

Drawing experiences from Western Kenya in particular Kisii and Vihiga counties, the study sought to understand how teen fathers, and parents’ perceptions and attitudes toward teen fathers influence vulnerability and policy implications in Kenya. The study used mixed research methodology to explore parents and teen fathers’ experiences and perceptions. The study used a questionnaire for data collection from the general population, interviews with parents and selected teen fathers. Data analysis was both qualitative and quantitative. The study found that teenage fathers are unacceptable in the society, deemed ignorant, careless, uncaring, and social deviants. The study revealed that the majority of teen fathers were unable to meet parental obligations due to unemployment, lack of parenting knowledge due to age, and educational obligation as most are still in school.

The study concludes that becoming a teen father is a significant and critical life event manifesting developmental crisis. Teen fathers endure conflict of future role, accepting impending fatherhood and negative society perception towards them. The study recommends that interventions designed should consider incorporating teen fathers as a way of addressing their needs as well as mitigating against future teenage pregnancies. There is also a need to create awareness to families and communities on the need for social acceptance of teen fathers and mould the victims to adopt acceptable behaviour and be responsible in the society.