Masters Thesis

We are more than "just baby mamas": Latina teen mothers in continuation schools

There is a significant amount of scholarship on teen mothers and their education (Burdell, 1995, Cocca, 2002). However, most studies that have been conducted usually focus on statistics of teen mothers that have dropped-out of school, graduated with a high school diploma, or received a General Education Development (G.E.D.) (The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy). Through my observations it has been made clear that when addressing teen mothers in schools' studies tends to focus on the Black and White dichotomy, leaving out any other community that is not African American or White. The few studies that are inclusive of teen mothers [Latinas] of color, however, are typically portrayed through a deficit theory as hyper sexualized characters after reaching puberty (Gutierrez, 2008, Collins, 2004). My research looks at the deficit theory and stereotypes that follow many Latina teen mothers and the influences this has on their educational opportunities. I utilized archival work to map out the creation of Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A.U.S.D.) alternative schooling for pregnant teens and teen mothers as well as how this district has evolved. Lastly, I collected nine counterstories from Latina teen mothers who attended a continuation school for pregnant teens and teen mothers in Los Angeles, California. In this research I demystify the myth of the 'overtly fertile' brown woman and humanize Latina teen mothers by allowing them to recount their stories regarding their education trajectory.

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