FINAL PROJECT

Final Project

Final Project

Introduction

Today's society consists of many different social problems. Social problems can range from affecting certain parts of society to affecting the world's society. Social problems are “situations affecting a significant number of people, that are believed to be sources of difficulty or threaten the stability of the community…” (Cancerweb.ncl.as.uk). The definition of the term 'social problem' can range from a minute case to a widespread problem. A social problem can also be considered as a “social condition that a segment of society views as harmful to members of society [that is] in need of remedy.” Social problems range with each individual person.

Article 1: Analysis of Teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is a social problem that affects the entire community. It is important to examine the causes of this problem, the effects the problem has on our society and the individual, and some of the possible ways of combating this problem. In every city in the United States teenage girls and boys face premature parenthood. If they chose to accept the responsibility of their actions and not opt for either abortion or adoption, they have to grow up quickly in order to face many harsh realities--these can include early marriage, health risks, interrupted education, lack of employment skills, and, usually, inevitable poverty.

The average age of menarche (first menstrual period) in the United States is 12 years old, though this figure varies by ethnicity[1] and weight, and first ovulation occurs only irregularly until after this. The average age of menarche has been declining and continues to do so. Whether fertility leads to early pregnancy depends on a number of factors, both societal and personal. Worldwide, rates of teenage pregnancy range from 143 per 1000 in some sub-Saharan African countries to 2.9 per 1000 in South Korea.[2][3]

Pregnant teenagers face many of the same obstetrics issues as women in their 20s and 30s. However, there are additional medical concerns for younger mothers, particularly those under fifteen and those living in developing countries.[4] For mothers between 15 and 19, age in itself is not a risk factor, but additional risks may be associated with socioeconomic factors.[5]

Data supporting teenage pregnancy as a social issue in developed countries include lower educational levels, higher rates of poverty, and other poorer "life outcomes" in children of teenage mothers. Teenage pregnancy in developed countries is usually outside of marriage, and carries a social stigma in many communities and cultures. For these reasons, there have been many studies and campaigns which attempt to uncover the causes and limit the numbers of teenage pregnancies.[6] In other countries and cultures, particularly in the developing world, teenage pregnancy is usually within marriage and does not involve a social stigma.[7] Among OECD developed countries, the United States and United Kingdom have the highest level of teenage pregnancy, while Japan and South Korea have the lowest

Review of research and theories

Save the Children found that, annually, 13 million children are born to women under age 20 worldwide, more than 90% in developing ...