Motherhood as a dominant feature in the self-image of female adolescents of low socioeconomic status.

Groups of socioeconomically and educationally disadvantaged young women in late adolescence have shown that, when they project themselves into a future role, predominantly they come up with the image of being a mother, even in the near future. This creates a direct transition from daughter role to mother role while excluding such roles as spouse or career woman. This distinguishes them from other groups of female adolescents. Some possible explanations and educational implications of this phenomenon are discussed.