Medical Anthropology Research Group Seminars

Medical Anthropology Seminars (MARG): The relationship between environmental risk and teenage motherhood: An evolutionary approach

10 December 2008 12:00 in Anthropology Seminar Room (D104), Dawson Building

Previous studies have shown that strong relationships exist between deprived environments and teenage motherhood. However, such studies have predominantly identified deprivation using neighbourhood-wide measures of socio-economic status. Few studies of teenage parenthood have examined how individuals’ perceive their pre-pregnancy environment and the importance of this perception on reproductive behaviour and timing. Using an evolutionary life history approach and a novel way of assessing environmental risk I examine how the wider environmental context can influence reproductive timings, life history trade-offs, and the decision of becoming a teenage mother.

Contact a.j.russell@durham.ac.uk for more information

We welcome proposals for discussion papers, presentations, etc. If you would like to contribute, please contact Dr Andrew Russell or Dr Claudia Merli.

Seminars will continue next academic year. If you would like to be included on the MARG mailing list to receive information on these and other announcements, please contact Vicki McGowan