Global Bonds, Personal Stories: Unraveling the Dynamics of International Adoption
Still need to work on
MAKE SURE TO USE ALL 7 SOURCES
Section 1
Look at all the comments
Make sure the citations are APA and proper format
I WILL NOT LOSE MORE POINTS ON STUPID APA
Explain the research while also relating it all back to my thesis
Section 2
Same thing but make it better and focus solely on the psych aspects
CITATIONS, CITATION, IT’S GONNA BE A PARTY OF CITATIONS
CONCLUSION
RESTATE RESEARCH FOCUS
SUMMARIZE THE MAIN FINDINGS
Introduction (about 1.5 pages 2-3 paragraphs)
International adoption occurs when someone from one country takes permanent legal guardianship of a child from another. Many individuals who are not involved in the adoption world may have some preconceived negative ideas and stigmas towards adoption and even more towards the parents. Adoption is a beautiful process when people can become parents when their biological bodies are not able to, or as an alternative way to form a family.
The adoption process can be very emotional for the adoptees and their families. Individuals tend to experience moments of grief, loss, and hardship finding out who they really are. As an international adoptee myself, I choose this topic to raise awareness about this beautiful experience while also shedding light on some of the negative aspects of adoption. Many people come up to me and ask questions about my adoption and my old life. However, no one questions what the enduring psychological and anthropological ramifications of international adoption on adoptees and their families are.
Most people don’t understand the racism and microaggressions transracial adoptees face frequently. This leads to international adoption having ever-lasting psychological and anthropological effects on adoptees and their families such as identity, family dynamics, and cultural integration. These two disciplines will offer valuable insight into the complexities involved with the adoption process. I hope one learns more about this very personal topic and will continue to learn more after reading this project.
Background Section (½-1 page)
International adoption has a fascinating history that reflects global conflicts, humanitarian efforts, and changing social attitudes. This project will focus on international adoption in the United States, specifically on children getting the opportunity to create new lives in the US. The term “international adoption” only became common in the US during the early years of the Cold War (University of Oregon, n.d). Countless adoptions occurred due to war soldiers having children in the country they were stationed in and the mothers were unable to support the child due to famines around the world specifically (University of Oregon, n.d). This led to thousands of children in need of homes and a supportive family.
The Hague Convention was written by the member countries of the UN, to discuss new rights for the children and to ensure they were not abducted, sold for profit, or trafficked (Bailey, 2009). The new rights were finally adopted by the State Department and were implemented in 2008 (Bailey, 2009). The new rules represented a shift from past practices which were influenced by state laws and agency guidelines. The Hague Convention established national standards for international adoption procedures for US agencies and professionals (Bailey, 2009) The rules introduced several changes such as mandatory reporting for agencies and accrediting organizations, qualifications for supervisors and clinical workers, and requirement training for prospective parents as well as liability insurance for primary providers (Bailey, 2009). Some of the qualifications included a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (Bailey, 2009)
There was a large decrease in Adoptions between the years 2004-2013 (Mignot, 2015). From 2004-2013, records show a decrease from 42,194 to 15,188 from the 10 countries in which the most adoptions occur (Mignot, 2015). One explanation for this decrease is the adoption of the Hague Convention, which caused many hopeful parents to wait a longer amount of time since there were very few agencies with qualified personnel available to help them in their district (Bailey, 2009). This led to many prospective couples giving up on their dream to adopt internationally. Another reason for the significant decline is that fewer children were placed for adoption is the advocation for contraceptives, and abortion rights in many lower-income countries (Mignot, 2015).
Section 1: Anthropological Perspectives 3 ish pages
Part 1 of this section: Acculturation processes + leaving their native country for their new country. Cultural identity (Tacit and explicit cultures) in adoptees + explain the multiculturism adoptees hold within themselves.
Acculturation processes + leaving their native country for their new country.
Part 2 of this section: Case studies and ethnographic research & give the reader a better idea of what adoptees go through.
Transnational adoptees face a difficult road when it comes to figuring out their cultural identities, which is a topic of interest for anthropologists. They must blend their American upbringing with their birth culture’s heritage, making it quite a complex journey (Cho, 2017). Anthropologists view Adoption as a way for families to expand and for cultural boundaries to blur. However, add up to you often struggle with which culture they identify most and try to balance their connection to their Heritage while also wanting to please their adoptive parent. Early and open discussions between parents and children about their origins can help them understand both cultures better without feeling pressured to choose one.
Additionally, adoptees can feel deeply connected to both their adoptive and birth cultures. They are seeking a sense of belonging that feels fully authentic to them (Cho, 2017). It’s more than just practicing the traditions and languages spoken, it’s about having a strong emotional attachment to both identities. This can be extremely hard to do when the adoption has language barriers as well as closed documents or incomplete documents about the status of the child. Most adoptees explex their cultural identities through creative outlets such as writing, filmmaking or tattooing to take control of their own stories. Since they were born, they have been labeled as an orphan, or child with disabilities, or not healthy enough, expressing themselves through art gives them to chance to do what they want for once without the worries of what others might think (NJ’s Brain, 2024)
Furthermore, adoptees show us how they connect to both their adoptive and birth cultures in deep ways (Cho, 2017). It is not just about doing things from each culture but feeling a strong sense of belonging to both. They need to find their sense of belonging on their own terms whether that be through music or interacting with others in the same situation as them. This goes beyond simple practices and involves feeling deeply connected to both cultures.
Moreover, all adoptees express their experiences and feelings through art, such as books or movies since they feel as if they do not feel heard. Through these creative outlets, they share the ups and downs of their cultural identities, challenge stereotypes, and take control of their stories (Cho, 2017). Art gives them a chance to tell their stories, speak out against societal pressures, and show the world a more nuanced view of transnational adoption. Art is a safe space for them to express their complicated sense of identity.
Additionally, when we look at adoptees’ cultural productions, we see how storytelling can change how we think about adoption. By sharing their stories through art, adoptees not only tell their own tales but also help others understand their struggles and successes (Cho, 2017). Through these narratives, adoptees show us that identity is not simple, and that adoption is more than just fitting in, it is about embracing who you are. In my circle of adoptees, several have turned to tattoos as a form of reclaiming their origin story and identity.
In summary, cultural productions by transnational adoptees give us a glimpse into their lives and identities. Through art, they navigate the complexities of blending cultures, challenge stereotypes, and take control of their narratives (Cho, 2017). These creative expressions not only broaden our understanding of adoption but also foster empathy and connection across diverse cultural backgrounds.
Kids are moving away from what they know into communities and people they know nothing about. As one study mentioned most parents do not
International adoption in the United States is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by historical, cultural, and socio-political factors. This section focuses on the historical trajectory, recent trends, and societal implications of international adoption, particularly focusing on adoptions from Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
The emergence of international adoption in the United States reflects broader historical trends in immigration, humanitarianism, and family dynamics. Legislative acts such as the Displaced Persons Act of 1948 and the Refugee Relief Act of 1953 served as catalysts for international adoption, responding to the humanitarian crisis following World War II and subsequent conflicts (Tessler et al., 2011). These legislative initiatives paved the way for the adoption of thousands of children from war-torn regions in Asia. Known as the Geneva Convention, adoption laws are constantly reviewed and evaluated to ensure that adoptions are ethical and moral. The recent decline in adoption is related to this ongoing review. What is left out of these legislations is the lifelong shame and trauma carried by the birth parents.
However, the historical context of international adoption is also marked by complex power dynamics, including colonial legacies, racial hierarchies, and Western notions of rescue and salvation (Tessler et al., 2011). While international adoption was framed as a selfish act of charity, it also reflected Western attitudes of superiority and entitlement, particularly towards children from non-Western countries.
The latest trends in international adoption reveal a dynamic landscape characterized by shifting patterns of adoption and evolving socio-economic conditions in sending countries. While countries like China and Korea were once dominant sending countries, recent years have seen a decline in adoptions from these regions (Tessler et al., 2011). This decline can be attributed to various factors, including changes in adoption policies, improvements in social welfare systems, and a growing emphasis on domestic adoption within sending countries.
On the other hand, countries such as Ethiopia and Haiti have emerged as significant sending countries, driven in part by high-profile adoptions and humanitarian responses to crises such as natural disasters and political instability (Tessler et al., 2011). The rise of new sending countries underscores the dynamic nature of international adoption and its responsiveness to global events and socio-political developments.
International adoption intersects with broader socio-cultural and geopolitical dynamics, raising complex questions about identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. Adopted children often grapple with questions of identity and belonging, navigating dual cultural identities, and negotiating their place within adoptive families and communities (Tessler et al., 2011).
Furthermore, international adoption exposes and perpetuates racial hierarchies, as evidenced by preferences for certain ethnicities over others and the differential treatment of adoptees based on racial characteristics (Tessler et al., 2011). Despite efforts to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding, international adoption can reinforce existing racial stereotypes and inequalities, particularly for adoptees from marginalized communities. They are considered “white-passing
In conclusion, international adoption in the United States reflects the complexity of historical, cultural, and socio-political factors. While it offers opportunities for familial bonds and cultural exchange, it also raises ethical and socio-political questions that demand critical analysis.
Part 3 of this section: Case studies and ethnographic research & give the reader a better idea of what adoptees go through.
The article “Adoption and Identity Experiences Among Adult Transnational Adoptees: A Qualitative Study” Existing research suggests demonstrates the complex aspects of adoptive identity among adult transnational adoptees, focusing specifically on Korean American adoptees. Through qualitative methods, the study aims to uncover the social and psychological dimensions of transnational adoption adjustment by conducting in-depth interviews with 16 adult Korean American adoptees, 2 men and 14 women (Darnell et al., 2017). A key finding of the study revolves around adoptive identity, which includes various aspects such as the adoptees’ relationships with their biological origins, adoptive families, and their feelings of pride or challenges related to their adoption status. Using thematic analysis, the researchers identified three main themes: biological parents, adoption history, and birthdays (Darnell et al., 2017).
The theme of biological parents explores the importance of understanding one’s ancestral roots and family lineage among adoptees. Many participants expressed a strong curiosity and desire to learn about their biological relatives, including questions about their family background, potential siblings, and the circumstances surrounding their adoption (Darnell et al., 2017). This theme emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and exploring adoptees’ connections to their biological heritage as part of their identity development.
Adoption history is another significant theme, highlighting the complex dynamics within adoptive families. Participants had varying perceptions of their adoptive parents, with some feeling a deep connection while others struggled with feelings of detachment, especially if they had a closer relationship with their biological mother. Additionally, this theme encompasses the adoptees’ feelings of pride associated with their adoption experiences, with some finding strength and empowerment in their unique life paths (Darnell et al., 2017).
The study also emphasizes the importance of birthdays as markers of identity and introspection for adoptees. For those with limited or unclear information about their birthdates, this lack of personal history led to feelings of uncertainty and a sense of inauthenticity in their self-concept (Darnell et al., 2017). Birthdays serve as occasions for adoptees to reflect on their past, grapple with questions about their identity formation, and navigate their dual cultural heritages.
Section 2: Psychological Dimensions 3 pages
The parts of this section
Attachment dynamics within adoptive families
Grief and loss experiences
Long-term psychological well-being
People have physical and emotional scars but only the physical ones are mentioned in conversations.
Paragraph 1 of this section:
Attachment dynamics within adoptive families
Attachment patterns affects children in school and the overall well-being of these children
The asian adoption agencies would describe the childrens issue with the wrong understanding leading to the children being qualified as delayed or a problem
Kids who spend more than 2 years in an orphanage it have been proven to limited the attachment the adoptée will have with their adoptive parents
Parents also find it extremely hard when they can’t connect with their child since they believe that their kids will see them as savours and will bond fast. This is not realistic as numerous articles have mentioned. Parents must restructure the way in which they will have a connection with the non biological children. This is hard for parents who had a biological child.
This can lead to feelings of grief and loss since they will never have the picture-perfect relationship that they invasion when they were young
Present both sides of the family (parents and children)
Paragraph 2 of this section:
Grief and loss experiences
They will never trully understand where they came from if they have biological siblings, fa
On adoptes birthdays they continue to think about their birth parents and the life they lost since their parents wanted them to have a better life with more opportunities
Some of the Korean Americans in the study wanted to learn about their birth parents and most can’t since it’s a they were left at an orphanage or on the steps of a random building.
People have very nuances opinions
Loss of their birth parents raising and loving them
Grief that they can never be a real family since the adjustments can start to get unbearable. One mother actually had to send her child to live with her sister for a little bit since having their son in the house was causing the family
Relates to birthdays since people start to question who they are and that can lead to some severe problems with self esteem and self worth
An example is one adoptee who got adopted at the age of 11 used to use academic success as validation for her worth. However since changing schools and languages her capabilities have been limited and she faced a lot of self doubt
Paragraph 3 of this section:
Long-term psychological well-being
If there are mental health issues or other issues not well known that could occur in adoptees
Support services suck and the description of each child is wrong and with the right attention it can be fixed
Conclusion: 1 page
Summary of key findings
Restating my thesis and objectives of this project
Any issue that may have come up
Not enough adequate resources to help children and families adjust and adapt to the new problems
Future ways for research to be done in the field.
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