The Puerto Rican Out-of-Wedlock Child at St. Agnes School, Sparkill, New York: A Comparative Study of the Background of Four Boys Who Adjusted Adequately and Four Boys Who Present Problems, 1962–1964
Abstract
Background of the Study. The attitude regarding the unwed mother has not changed essentially for centuries in that she is still looked upon as a disgrace no matter what the circumstances. However, there is a difference in degree as to how harsh or tolerant the public has been and will be, depending on the general moral standard as well as the individual's economic and social position. For example, during the Victorian era society was especially lax in its position toward the unmarried mother. In contrast it was unusually rigid in relation to her partner since he was seen as the villain preying upon the inexperienced and innocent young virgin. This has been carried through somewhat today and it seems the double standard is double-edged although the sharper end is aimed toward the woman. She is condemned for her promiscuity; the man is often condoned and sometimes lauded within a sub-culture for his sexual prowess. Notwithstanding, if a child is born as a result of such an act and a marriage does hot take place he is denounced much more bitterly than his paramour who is often pitied for her misfortune or "mistake".
Subject Area
Social work|Social studies education|Sociology
Recommended Citation
Debrot, Jean Jacques, "The Puerto Rican Out-of-Wedlock Child at St. Agnes School, Sparkill, New York: A Comparative Study of the Background of Four Boys Who Adjusted Adequately and Four Boys Who Present Problems, 1962–1964" (1964). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30724929.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30724929
