Question

Analyse the impact that the increasing number of social grants may have on the teen mothers

Answer 1

Answer:

An increase in the number of social grants to teenage mothers is likely to have negative consequences as listed:

i) Grants make people lazy and dependent on the government

The teen mothers will not be motivated to become self-reliant by looking for work.  Instead they rely on the government grants to acquire capital which they use for their needs.

ii) The child grant increases teenage pregnancy.

This is where teen mothers may become pregnant intentionally to access the grants.

iii) Recipients misuse grant money.

The teen mothers may use the grants to buy drugs and abusing of alcohol. The monies are primarily used for food and some basic non-food items such as school fees and uniforms, health and transport.

iv) Social Life

When the number of social grants to teen mothers are increased, their social lives are impacted negatively. These teen mothers see themselves as pariahs and burdens to the society. They are likely to withdraw from social life due to the shame and low self-esteem they often experience.

v) Financial Life

Due to the fact that these teen mothers often do not have stable jobs, their financial lives are uncertain. They depend on the social grants for their upkeep. If these grants are increased many teen mothers do not perceive the value of looking for employment.

vi) Education

Since most of the teen mothers drop out of school after they become pregnant, their education ceases. Increasing the number of social grants discourages them from completing their studies. They reason that since they are getting 'free money' there is no need for further education.