Global Families, Inequality and Transnational Adoption

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

   PDF

2. Introduction: The Global in the Family

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 1-31

3. Adoption and Family in the Global North and South

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 33-59

4. The Making of the Adoptive Family: Choosing Family

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 61-92

5. The Un-Making of the Family of Origin: Adoption Social Workers as Intermediaries

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 93-118

6. First Mothers’ Stunted Choices

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 119-153

7. Inequality Among First Mothers: The Power of Resources

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 155-180

8. Re-Making Family: The Struggle Over Belonging

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 181-213

9. Contact Over Time

   • Riitta Högbacka

   Pages 215-230

10. Conclusion: Re-Kinning First Mothers

    • Riitta Högbacka

    Pages 231-244

11. Back Matter

    Pages 245-282

    PDF

This book looks at the simultaneous processes of making and un-making of families that are part of the adoption practice. Whereas most studies on transnational adoption concentrate on the adoptive family, the author identifies not only the happy occasion when a family gains a child, but also the sorrow and loss of the child to its family of origin. Situating transnational adoption in the context of the Global North-South divide, Hogbacka investigates the devastating effects of unequal life chances and asymmetrical power relations on the adoption process and on the mothers whose children are adopted. Based on unique primary material gathered in in-depth interviews with South African families of origin and Finnish adoptive families, the book investigates the decision-making processes of both sets of parents and the encounters between them. The first mothers' narratives are juxtaposed with those of the adopters and of the adoption social workers who act on the principles of the wider adoption system. Concluding with a critique of the Global Northism that exemplifies current practices, Hogbacka sketches the contours of a more just approach to transnational adoption that would shatter rather than perpetuate inequality. The book can also be read as an expose of the consequences of current inequalities for poor families. Global Families, Inequality and Transnational Adoption will be of interest to students and scholars of adoption studies, family and kinship, sociology, anthropology, social work and development.  

• childhood
• children
• birthmothers
• adoptive parents
• Finland
• South Africa
• inequality
• globalisation
• Global South
• Global north
• Europe
• adoption
• family
• social science
• sociology

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title for 2017

“Global Families, Inequality and Transnational Adoption certainly represents a valuable contribution to the literature on transnational adoption, but in its methodology and framing, also offer insights into the workings of adoption more broadly.” (Derek Kirton, Critical Social Policy, Vol. 38 (2), 2018)

“This well-written, informative book reports the author’s comprehensive examination of the experienced joys and challenges of transnational adoption. ... Högbacka creates one of the most authentic analyses of the dynamics of international adoption ever written. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries.” (J. C. Altman, Choice, Vol. 55 (2), October, 2017)

“This provocative examination of transnational adoption breaks new ground with a nuanced analysis of how agency and power shape the adoption process. Based on interviews with black South African 'birth' or first mothers, Finnish adoptive parents, and South African social workers, Riitta Hogbacka provides a compelling account of the complex circumstances in which first mothers turn to transnational adoption as a way of caring for their children. A powerful exploration of the dynamics of inequality in transnational adoption, Global Families, Inequality and Transnational Adoption: The De-Kinning of First Mothers is an important contribution to scholarship on adoption, debates about adoption policy, and research on the ways more inclusive approaches to family may transform adoption practice.” (Barbara Yngvesson, Hampshire College, USA)
 

“Riitta Hogbacka's new book cements the author's reputation as a critically important voice in contemporary adoption discourse. Hogbackaprovides some voices, perspectives, and situations of first mothers, which are juxtaposed to those of adoptive parents, underscoring the profound inequalities which form the contexts for transnational adoption. While focusing on transnational adoption, Hogbacka's work contributes to the growing impetus to reconceive adoption itself, by questioning the full severance model predominate in some legal systems, and describing contrasting cultural models of family and parentage. Hogbacka's work should set some of the premises and foundations for future adoption research practice and discourse.” (David Smolin, Samford University, USA)

• University of Helsinki, Finland

  Riitta Högbacka

Riitta Högbacka is Lecturer in the Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Finland.

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