Situating Foucault in Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Measures

Author(s):  
Devi Akella

In spite of declining teen birth rates, teenage pregnancy in USA remains the highest amongst the industrialized nations in the world. There appears to be a correlation between teenage pregnancy and the culture of the teenagers within the African-American population. African American teenagers may be influenced by the cultural norms of their community resulting in a cycle of teenage pregnancies over the generations. It is essential to break this cycle by influencing the behavior and perceptions of the teenagers towards early motherhood and pregnancies. Using empirical data from in-depth interviews conducted with school nurses and school counselors and Foucault's disciplinary strategies, this chapter suggests mentoring as a suitable teenage pregnancy preventive measure which might be effective in guiding and shaping the decisions and choices of African American teenagers in their lives.

Author(s):  
Devi Akella

In spite of declining teen birth rates, teenage pregnancy in USA remains the highest amongst the industrialized nations in the world. There appears to be a correlation between teenage pregnancy and the culture of the teenagers within the African-American population. African American teenagers may be influenced by the cultural norms of their community resulting in a cycle of teenage pregnancies over the generations. It is essential to break this cycle by influencing the behavior and perceptions of the teenagers towards early motherhood and pregnancies. Using empirical data from in-depth interviews conducted with school nurses and school counselors and Foucault's disciplinary strategies, this chapter suggests mentoring as a suitable teenage pregnancy preventive measure which might be effective in guiding and shaping the decisions and choices of African American teenagers in their lives.


Author(s):  
Devi Akella

Teenage pregnancy in United States has strong cultural and historical connections. Unfortunately, in a majority of the studies, all debates and perspectives on teen pregnancy ignore these underlying cultural values and signifiers. Yet to allow a more holistic understanding of teen pregnancy, the behavior of these teenagers should be examined within the parameters of their cultural and historical backgrounds. Teen pregnancy needs to be deconstructed from a cultural angle. This chapter focuses on the African American population and provides an alternate perspective on the behavior and actions of teenagers and on their choice of early motherhood. The chapter uses interviews conducted with school nurses and school counselors affiliated with two public high schools to provide critical insights on teenage pregnancy.


Author(s):  
Devi Akella

Teenage pregnancy in United States has strong cultural and historical connections. Unfortunately, in a majority of the studies, all debates and perspectives on teen pregnancy ignore these underlying cultural values and signifiers. Yet to allow a more holistic understanding of teen pregnancy, the behavior of these teenagers should be examined within the parameters of their cultural and historical backgrounds. Teen pregnancy needs to be deconstructed from a cultural angle. This chapter focuses on the African American population and provides an alternate perspective on the behavior and actions of teenagers and on their choice of early motherhood. The chapter uses interviews conducted with school nurses and school counselors affiliated with two public high schools to provide critical insights on teenage pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emiola Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa ◽  
Mudasiru Adebayo Salami ◽  
Taiwo Akeem Lawal

Abstract Background Given the devastating mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS, many potential prevention measures against HIV infection continue to be explored. Most prevention methods are in the realm of sexual behavior change. However, of all aspects of human behavior, it is sexual behavior that is least amenable to change. Newer and simpler interventions are therefore required. Male circumcision, the surgical removal of some or all of the foreskin (or prepuce) from the penis, is one of the ways being promoted as a preventive measure. This paper reviews the scientific basis and evidence for the efficacy of male circumcision within the context of the global challenges involved. Main body We reviewed articles with emphasis on male circumcision and HIV/AIDS transmission. Published abstracts of presentations at international scientific meetings were also reviewed. Conclusions Current epidemiological evidence supports the promotion of male circumcision for HIV prevention, especially in populations with high HIV prevalence and low circumcision rates. Three notable randomized control trials strengthen the case for applied research studies to demonstrate that safe male circumcision is protective at the population level, particularly as ideal and well-resourced conditions of a randomized trial are often not replicated in other service delivery settings. Ethically and culturally responsive strategies in promoting circumcision in a culturally heterogenous world need to be developed, too. Male circumcision should also be viewed as a complementary measure along with other proven approaches to turn the HIV/AIDS epidemic around.


Inner Asia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-114
Author(s):  
Anna Yur'evna Buyanova

AbstractThis article explores the repercussions of the demographic changes currently taking place in Buryatia. In particular, it concerns the mass migration of young rural Buryats to Ulan-Ude, in search of a higher education and, eventually, better career prospects. In-depth interviews with a sample of Buryat university students are used to reveal the challenges rural incomers face in adapting to urban life, and the differing strategies they use to overcome them. As these interviews show, the success of a rural Buryat's university career depends on their capacity to change their behaviour and aspirations to fit urban cultural norms.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1198-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yochay Nadan ◽  
Netanel Gemara ◽  
Rivka Keesing ◽  
Esther Bamberger ◽  
Dorit Roer-Strier ◽  
...  

AbstractThis article addresses child protection in close-knit religious communities. Specifically, it presents the findings of a qualitative research project that examined Ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents’ perceptions and ascribed meanings of child risk and protection based on fifty in-depth interviews with parents from Israel and the USA. Here, we hone in on one key theme that emerged from our analysis of the interviews, which the interviewees themselves referred to as ‘spiritual risk’. ‘Spiritual risk’ is a complex construct comprising the following three interrelated dimensions: (i) a decline in observance of the Torah and the commandments, (ii) violation of socio-cultural norms and rules and (iii) a decline in spiritual beliefs, including the sense of connection with G-d. In the eyes of parents, it is decline in these three dimensions that constitutes the ‘spiritual risk’ to the child. ‘Spiritual risk’ can be a consequence of parental maltreatment and can result in children and adolescents moving away from the Ultra-Orthodox religious world and leaving their community. The results of this study advocate context-informed and religious-sensitive prevention and intervention programmes. They also highlight the need to include context and religious competency in the training of professionals working with diverse communities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-106
Author(s):  
Yusuf Suleiman ◽  
Muraina Kamilu Olanrewaju ◽  
Jamiu Mahmood Suleiman

This study aimed to investigate the perceived problems of strike action and deviant behavior in selected higher institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The descriptive research design of ex-post-facto type was used in the study. Three hundred respondents were selected randomly from two Universities. The respondents were measured with a self-developed scale, and the data obtained were analyzed using descriptive (mean) statistical analysis. Four research questions were raised and answered. The result showed that causes of strike action in selected higher institutions include non-payment of teacher’s salaries, low responds to problems confronting schools among others, problems of strike action in selected higher institutions include production of half-baked graduates, youth involvement in secret cult, widespread of examination malpractice, causes of deviant behavior in selected higher institutions include parental neglect, drug addiction, high level of poverty among others and problems of deviant behavior in selected higher institutions include incessant strike action, widespread of examination malpractice, prevalence of teenage pregnancy among others. Given these findings, the study recommended that school counselors should identify deviant behaviors and counsel adolescents on how it can be prevented and that Government should deem it fit to respond to the yearnings and aspirations of the workers in terms of quick payment of their salaries and other emoluments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1_part_4) ◽  
pp. 2156759X2110400
Author(s):  
Brandee Appling ◽  
Shanel Robinson

This article examines the role of racial identity development in the academic achievement of African American adolescent males. Through the lens of critical race theory (CRT), we highlight how K–12 school counselors may support and enhance the schooling experiences of African American males by understanding and acknowledging how racial identity development may impact academic achievement. A focus on CRT in education emphasizes the continual persistence of racism ingrained in K–12 education located within the educational opportunities, curriculum, representation, and teacher perception of African American males. We offer insight into how school counselors may work to decrease barriers to achievement by analyzing the effect race and gender have on the identification, retention, and underachievement of their African American male students.


Author(s):  
Mariama Cook Sandifer ◽  
Eva M. Gibson ◽  
Sarah N. Brant-Rajahn

Social justice advocacy is a term commonly utilized to describe action steps initiated to remove obstacles to success for underrepresented students. This chapter challenges school counselors and educators to adopt a “Woke” perspective (which integrates action and awareness) on behalf of African American students. Furthermore, these professionals should be equipped with culturally responsive tools to support African American students and engage in systemic advocacy on their behalf. Drawing from Critical Race Theory, this chapter will examine the historical and contemporary context of discriminatory practices, as well as the current impact on African American students. This chapter will also address specific strategies to inform professional practice and advocacy work, as well as implications for training programs.


2020 ◽  
pp. 75-97
Author(s):  
Hannah L. Walker

Chapter 4 examines the divergent narratives leveraged by White and Black Americans to make sense of their carceral experiences. In-depth interviews suggest that Whites arrive at a sense of injustice through the lens of class, whereas Blacks centralize race, layered with classed undertones. Data from the Harvard-Kaiser Foundation African American Men’s Survey (AAMS 2006) supports this perspective. Yet, when they view their experiences through the lens of injustice, both groups translate their systemic analyses into political action. Findings from the NCPS suggest that the mobilizing effect is most pronounced among those with proximal contact and is particularly important for the participation of Black Americans, since among this group absent injustice proximal contact is negatively associated with participation.


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