AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF GIRLS IN MORAL DANGER

Abstract

This study is about understanding the sexually promiscuous behaviour of the girls in moral danger in Singapore, particularly in the context of their family and social networks. Issues about their values and attitudes in regard to sex and boy-girl relationships are also examined. There are two main concerns of this study: (1) The demographic profile of the girls in moral danger in general. (2) Some possible factors that may contribute to the development of sexual promiscuity in the girls. A total of five girls from Toa Payoh Girls' Home (TPGH) are included in this exploratory study. These girls have been admitted there on grounds of moral danger. The instruments utilised in this study comprise of an interview schedule, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and the case files. Findings of the study indicate that some of the possible factors that could have attributed to the girls being in moral clanger include negative peer influence, weak family relationships and poor academic achievement in school. Towards the end of the study, recommendations and implications for social work practice will be made.