Consequences of International Adoption

Whereas domestic adoption has been common for years, international adoption is a new idea and still in question. Many medical professionals, both psychologists and sociologists, are concerned with any possible ramifications or consequences that make come from international adoptions.In trying to keep in the best interest of the child, a big concern is assuring that the child grow up with a sense of belonging. Because the child is in an entire new environment, will they feel “at home”? In the past, when a foreign child was adopted to another country, all ties were expected to be broke to help the child adjust to their “new country”. This is no longer the case. Now the children as well as their adoptive parents are encouraged if not expected to explore the child’s roots and place of origin. They are encouraged to maintain as many ties as possible with the birth parents and their births cultures. At one time, Korean adopted children were looked upon as outcasts; however, now they hold “cultural training camps” to help the child learn more about their homeland and place of origin.

It is still a big concern, though, if it is detrimental to the child’s well-being to know about their origin or will it cause more problems for the adjustment in their new home? There has not been, to date, very much study or research into these concerns. Anthropologists are beginning to study what affects factors such as family, belonging, cultures, and even genes play in the raising of adopted children from foreign countries. Pauline Strong, associate professor in Social Anthropology, stated, “Adoption across political and cultural borders may simultaneously be an act of violence and an act of love, an excruciating rupture and a generous incorporation, an appropriation of valued resources and a constitution of personal ties”. Medical professionals specializing in these fields have only just begun to research and study all the questions and concerns, so we don’t yet have all the facts and answers we need.

Some countries that allow their children to be adopted feel that Americans are doing this as a form of arrogance and control. Other countries, however, acknowledge that adoption will give their children a chance of a better life than they would otherwise have. A positive factor for international adoptions is due to the large expense of adopting, money being brought into these foreign countries is money much needed. It also contributes to strengthening the ties between the countries involved.

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