Maternity and paternity meanings for adolescents in vulnerability and social disaffiliation process

Abstract

doi: 10.5216/ree.v12i4.12340

The adolescents in the streets of large cities existence reflects the vulnerability and disaffiliation social situation that can result a social marginalization process lived by millions of people. Thus the streets may become scenery of life and also of sexuality initiation for adolescent. This study sought to describe and to analyze the meanings of maternity and paternity for adolescents who experienced life in streets and has crossed a vulnerability and disaffiliation process.  The method was based on a social strategic qualitative research developed in 2007 at two temporary shelter institutions in a city of the center-west region in Brazil, in which participate 13 adolescents from 12 to 17 years old. Data were collected by semi-structured interview and participant observation and analyzed by the "senses interpretation method". Results point to the inherent complexity of the studied signification process. The attributed meanings for maternity and paternity are permeated by the interpersonal relationship. Thus the results may subsidize the health promotion policy and actions regarding to sexual and reproductive health to this group.

Descriptors: Social vulnerability; Pregnancy in adolescence; Homeless youth.