New Study Challenges Stereotypes on Teen Parents

According to a study (see PDF) published by the not-for-profit research organization Child Trends, most teen parents come from two-parent households that are over the poverty line.

Here's the breakdown of the research findings:

39% of those who have either given birth or fathered a child were living with both biological or adoptive parents before the birth

19% reported living with one biological/adoptive and one step-parent, meaning

58% of teens that have either given birth or fathered a child came from a two-parent household, while

30% of teens who have either given birth or fathered a child came from a single-parent household.

As for the poverty line,

41% of those who have either given birth or fathered a child lived in families whose income level was either 200% or above the federal poverty line;

31% came from families between 100% to 200% of the federal poverty line, meaning a full

72% of teen parents have come from families with incomes above the federal poverty line, while only

28% came from families living below the federal poverty line.

Child Trends also examined adult's perceptions about teen births--though what was somewhat frustrating was that their questions were about "teen mothers," not "teen parents." (Sure go place all the blame on the woman, geez.)

Questions and responses:
"In your opinion, do you think that most teen mothers are from homes below the federal poverty level or above the federal povery level?"
Adult responses:

Below the Poverty Level: 67%

Above the Poverty Level: 20%

Don't Know: 12%

Refused to Answer: 1%

"In your opinion, do most teen mothers come from two-parent homes or single-parent homes?"
Adult responses:

Single-parent homes: 70%

Two-parent homes: 15%

Don't Know: 14%

Refused to Answer: 1%

The study does admit that disproportionately high percentages of teens from single-parent homes and under-the-poverty line homes are becoming parents; but they do not consist of the majority.

Congrats to research dispelling stereotypes!

Photo Credit: freeparking on flickr.com