While teenage parents no longer face total ostracism, there still is a stigma attached. Teenage parents can face social and economic barriers as well as problems with their families. The cultural factors that influence and contribute to teenage pregnancy may significantly impact the lives of both young parents and their children.
Cultural
Teenagers who are raised within cultural settings where religion or tradition ostracize teenagers who engage in sexual activity will experience different social outcomes of teen pregnancy and parenthood than others. In many Latin cultures, where Catholicism is prevalent, teenage sexuality is condemned as a sin and any resulting pregnancy can be seen as a source of shame on the entire family. Because of this, teenage parents and their families may have difficulty in developing support structures that aid the young parents.
Education/Employment
Just as adults with children often have less time to devote to other aspects of their lives, the same can be true for teenage parents. But unlike adults who usually have completed their education and are established in their careers, teenagers may still be in high school and the need to care for the child can supersede school obligations. Study habits can suffer and their grades can begin to drop. Teachers and administrators may not be understanding of the teen's extra responsibilities, though. Teen parents also may have fewer choices of colleges since it's unlikely they could attend an out-of-state school. A lack of education also will impact what kind of jobs will be available to them.
Alienation
The Better Health Channel notes the alienation that teenage parents can experience. No matter how responsible the teens may be in other aspects of their lives, social presuppositions resulting from being teen parents can cause others to dismiss other positive attributes. This effect may be more notable for teen moms who are easy to identify as such during the pregnancy and after the birth. The social stigma may result in the loss of friends or in the parent becoming estranged from family members.
