EDS3701 Assignment 2
Memo (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Due 13 June
2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, 2.1 Why are there teenage pregnancies in South African primary schools? (5)
The causes of teenage pregnancies in South African primary schools are complex
and varied and are due to an intermix of socio-economic, cultural, and individual circumstances.
Poverty and economic need: This is a primary driver, as impoverished girls might engage in
transactional sex as a means of getting food, money, or essentials or seek out relationships with
older men ("sugar daddies") who are in a position to provide financial support. The allure of the
child support grant, even though it might be illusory, can serve as an incentive for others.
Lack of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and reproductive health services: Many
primary school children lack proper and accurate information about sexual
health, contraceptives, and the risks involved in unprotected sex. To this end, access to youth-
friendly health services that offer confidential counseling and contraceptives can be limited,
especially in rural or underprivileged regions.
Parental control and aberrant family organization: Inhibited communication about sexuality
between children and parents, weak parental control, and neglect or absent parents can put young
girls in danger. Dysfunctional households, including experience with abuse or violence,
can result in early sexual onset.
Peer and social pressure, and sexual exploitation by elderly adult predators: Peer pressure can
influence early sexual experimentation, and in some cases, young girls are coerced
or taken advantage of by older men who take advantage of
their naivety. Asymmetrical relationships in relationships typically mean that young girls are
unable to negotiate safe sex or refuse unwanted sexual advances.
Low self-esteem and few prospects for the future: Girls
who are alienated from school, perform badly at school,
or believe they have little chance for the future are most likely to resort to unprotected sex as a
means of gaining attention or establishing their identity through early pregnancy.
2.2 Where (location: rural, township, squatter camps, etc.) is teenage pregnancy an issue? (2)
Adolescent pregnancy is a problem prevalent across South
Africa but disproportionately happening more often in poorer suburbs, rural areas, and squatter
camps. Provinces that most frequently report a higher rate are Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and
KwaZulu-Natal. It is typically due to the socio-economic situation described above, such
as lack of access to education, health care,
and employment opportunities, more so being present in these areas.
2.3 How do the aforesaid problems in 1.1 account for the high primary school dropout rate? (5)
The teen pregnancy problem in primary schools makes a huge contribution to the high dropout
rate of students in the following ways:
Direct academic disruption: Pregnancy and giving birth necessitate breaks from school for
antenatal care, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Learning is interrupted, making
it very hard for teen moms to recover from missed lessons
and homework. Pregnancy and early motherhood's physical and affective demands may also inte
rfere with focus and academic success, creating an overwhelming feeling of disconnection.
Memo (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) Due 13 June
2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, 2.1 Why are there teenage pregnancies in South African primary schools? (5)
The causes of teenage pregnancies in South African primary schools are complex
and varied and are due to an intermix of socio-economic, cultural, and individual circumstances.
Poverty and economic need: This is a primary driver, as impoverished girls might engage in
transactional sex as a means of getting food, money, or essentials or seek out relationships with
older men ("sugar daddies") who are in a position to provide financial support. The allure of the
child support grant, even though it might be illusory, can serve as an incentive for others.
Lack of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and reproductive health services: Many
primary school children lack proper and accurate information about sexual
health, contraceptives, and the risks involved in unprotected sex. To this end, access to youth-
friendly health services that offer confidential counseling and contraceptives can be limited,
especially in rural or underprivileged regions.
Parental control and aberrant family organization: Inhibited communication about sexuality
between children and parents, weak parental control, and neglect or absent parents can put young
girls in danger. Dysfunctional households, including experience with abuse or violence,
can result in early sexual onset.
Peer and social pressure, and sexual exploitation by elderly adult predators: Peer pressure can
influence early sexual experimentation, and in some cases, young girls are coerced
or taken advantage of by older men who take advantage of
their naivety. Asymmetrical relationships in relationships typically mean that young girls are
unable to negotiate safe sex or refuse unwanted sexual advances.
Low self-esteem and few prospects for the future: Girls
who are alienated from school, perform badly at school,
or believe they have little chance for the future are most likely to resort to unprotected sex as a
means of gaining attention or establishing their identity through early pregnancy.
2.2 Where (location: rural, township, squatter camps, etc.) is teenage pregnancy an issue? (2)
Adolescent pregnancy is a problem prevalent across South
Africa but disproportionately happening more often in poorer suburbs, rural areas, and squatter
camps. Provinces that most frequently report a higher rate are Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and
KwaZulu-Natal. It is typically due to the socio-economic situation described above, such
as lack of access to education, health care,
and employment opportunities, more so being present in these areas.
2.3 How do the aforesaid problems in 1.1 account for the high primary school dropout rate? (5)
The teen pregnancy problem in primary schools makes a huge contribution to the high dropout
rate of students in the following ways:
Direct academic disruption: Pregnancy and giving birth necessitate breaks from school for
antenatal care, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Learning is interrupted, making
it very hard for teen moms to recover from missed lessons
and homework. Pregnancy and early motherhood's physical and affective demands may also inte
rfere with focus and academic success, creating an overwhelming feeling of disconnection.
