The duration of maidenhood across cultures

School-Age Pregnancy & Parenthood: Biosocial Dimensions • Published In • Pages: 273-302 •
By Whiting, John W.M., Burbank, Victoria K., Ratner, Mitchell S.

Abstract

This article discusses maidenhood, the period of time between menarche and marriage. In-depth case illustrations provide insights into the social, technological, and environmental factors that affect the length of maidenhood. The authors use cross-cultural evidence to challenge contemporary American assumptions that teenagers are too young to be mothers and that young women should focus on a career before marriage and child-rearing. A variety of descriptive statistics are also presented.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza