Constructing identities and issues of race in transnational adoption: the experiences of adoptive parents

Willing, Indigo and Fronek, Patricia (2012) Constructing identities and issues of race in transnational adoption: the experiences of adoptive parents. British Journal of Social Work, : .


Author Willing, Indigo
Fronek, Patricia
Title Constructing identities and issues of race in transnational adoption: the experiences of adoptive parents
Journal name British Journal of Social Work  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2012
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1093/bjsw/bcs171
ISSN 0045-3102; 1468-263X
Total pages 18
Place of publication Oxford, United Kingdom
Publisher Oxford University Press
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Abstract Transnational adoption requires adoptive parents to negotiate complexities concerning difference and belonging within the family. Transnational adoption is mediated through societal and governmental prescriptions of suitability that include willingness and competency to raise children to maintain connections to their birth heritages. Tensions in the formation of parental identities are located in different racial, ethnic, cultural and class-based backgrounds to the children they adopt. This contrasts against dominant models of family where constructions of belonging are based on biological ties. A qualitative study of thirty-five Australian adoptive parents explored reflections on adoption processes and how the complex task of performing suitability was negotiated. Theoretical understandings were developed using a grounded theory approach. Contemporary social theory with a focus on race, cosmopolitanism and families further developed emergent theoretical understandings during analysis. Tensions in identity formation are discussed. The paper concludes that issues of race in identity formation are marginalised.
Keyword Adoption
Race
Ethnicity
Parenting
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ
Additional Notes First published online: October 30, 2012

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2013 Collection
School of Social Science Publications
 
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Created: Wed, 31 Oct 2012, 16:44:55 EST by Dr Indigo Willing on behalf of School of Social Science