Abstract
This paper examines the depiction of teenage pregnancy on the MTV show 16 and Pregnant- a documentary style reality show. Using a qualitative textual analysis the author examines how he teen girls describe themselves, whether contraception was discussed and if it was how so, what options the teens discussed in regards to the pregnancy, the role of the father of the child, the role of the mother and finally the role of the teens' families. The author concludes that while 16 and Pregnant is a step forward in realistic portrayals of the consequences of sex targeted at teens, the show could be doing much more in terms of providing valuable sexual health information to teens.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Elizabeth F.
(2012)
"“They Don’t Teach This in High School”: An Examination of the Portrayal of Teenage Pregnancy in the MTV Television Show 16 and Pregnant,"
Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association: Vol. 2010, Article 10.
Available at:
https://docs.rwu.edu/nyscaproceedings/vol2010/iss1/10