The Long-Term Evolution of the Family Structure of Teenage and Older Mothers

Research into the evolution of the, family structure is important in understanding the consequences of teenage motherhood. In this longitudinal study of black, urban mothers in Woodlawn, a Chicago community, we compare 15 years of family evolution of teenage and older mothers. Teenage mothers not only frequently begin child rearing as the only adult at home but also are at high risk of becoming the only adult and remaining so as long as 15 years after the child's birth. This tendency towards mother aloneness is associated with less help in child rearing and less participation in voluntary organizations.