ISSN 2736-1578
African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 001–010
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001365
Article Type: Full Length Research Paper
Title: Adolescent Mothers’ Perceptions of Financial Mathematics in South African Secondary Schools
Names of Author: Busisiwe M. Mhlongo-Somo¹
Author's Affiliation: ¹Department of Mathematics Education, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
Abstract:
Financial mathematics is an important component of school mathematics, as it develops learners’ capacity to interpret and respond to everyday financial situations. However, limited attention has been given to how adolescent mothers perceive financial mathematics in relation to their schooling, motherhood, and lived financial experiences. Guided by the Mathematics Perceptions Development Model, this qualitative study explored the perceptions of 30 adolescent mothers from secondary schools in Tshwane North, South Africa. Data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that participants perceived financial mathematics as both valuable and challenging. While some associated it with financial knowledge, self-improvement, and future independence, others experienced it as technically demanding, emotionally challenging, and insufficiently connected to their socioeconomic realities. These perceptions were shaped by the interaction between learner characteristics, motherhood responsibilities, and school-related experiences. The study highlights the need for contextually responsive pedagogies that address both the cognitive and affective dimensions of financial mathematics learning among adolescent mothers.
Keywords: Financial mathematics, mathematics, adolescent mothers, learner perceptions, marginalised learners
Manuscript Timeline: Received: August 14, 2026; Revised: September 28, 2026; Accepted: September 29, 2026; Published: November 12, 2026.
Citation: Mhlongo-Somo, B. M. (2026). Adolescent Mothers’ Perceptions of Financial Mathematics in South African Secondary Schools. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(11), 001–010. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/001365