"Sociologists Mary Patrice Erdmans and Timothy Black tell the life stories of 108 brown, white, and black teen mothers. They expose the problems that cause distress in these young women's lives and that are often overlooked in pregnancy prevention campaigns... Offering a critical perspective on the links between early childbirth and social inequalities, 'On Becoming a Teen Mom' demonstrates how the intersecting hierarchies of gender, race, and social class shape the personal stories of young mothers"--Provided by publisher.

Introduction: the back story to the baby -- The distraction -- Young young mothers -- Child sexual abuse -- Violence against women -- Education -- Contraception and abortion -- Conclusion: getting beyond the distraction.