Understanding the experience of adolescent motherhood, 1939–2001

A feminist oral history approach was used in this study to understand how social and historical influences shape women's experiences of motherhood. Twelve women who had their first child between the years 1939 and 2001 were interviewed. The main research question was: ‘what was your experience of being a mother in your adolescent years?’ Analysis of transcript data reveals changing meanings over time. For older participants, early motherhood was described as ‘natural’: women expected to leave their parent's home, marry and bear children. Other options were either not considered, or did not exist for most women. Interviews with younger participants revealed that society today promotes independence in decision making for some behaviours, however the decision to mother for young unmarried women continues to be penalized. The birth control pill, legalization of abortion, reproductive rights, and demands for higher education are identified as significantly influencing different experiences of motherhood.