Demographic and Socioeconomic Status, Child Support Grant, and Teenage Pregnancy among Blacks in South Africa
While the evidence is internationally inconclusive, social protection systems have been blamed for various perverse incentives or unintended consequences. This article explores one particular case in point. The South African Constitution and the Social Assistance Act of 2004 provide a child support grant (CSG) to low-income single parents/caregivers. There is nevertheless concern regarding possible perverse incentives of the grant, sparking debate that it may encourage teenage pregnancy. Several studies have examined the validity of the claim, yet methodological weaknesses cast doubt on their conclusions. This article examines the probability of being pregnant with another child among black teenagers receiving the CSG in South Africa compared with black teenagers who are not recipients. Results indicate that black teenagers aged 15-18 years receiving the grant have significantly lower odds of being pregnant with another child compared with their peers who do not receive the grant, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

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