Theorising the racial identity development of transracial adoptees : a symbolic interactionist perspective

Patel, T ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2578-3393 2007, 'Theorising the racial identity development of transracial adoptees : a symbolic interactionist perspective' , Adoption and Fostering, 31 (2) , pp. 32-43.

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Abstract

In using the symbolic interactionist perspective, findings from an empirically informed British study carried out from 2000 to 2003, into the racial identity development of a small sample of adults who were transracially adopted as children is presented. Analysis is given of the ways in which to varying degrees, the adoptees experienced a number of difficulties, tied to (i) racial differences with the adoptive family; (ii) the racialised questions and categorisations of others; and, (iii) inclusion and exclusion issues with birth and adoptive heritages. The study also highlights the way in which adoptees had understood and negotiated these difficulties in order to emerge with a particular type of racial identity which incorporated both parts of their birth and adoptive heritages and best represented how the adoptees saw themselves, and their pursuit of a positive sense of self. Using these findings, a number of best practice recommendations are then offered.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Applied Research in Health, Welfare and Policy
Journal or Publication Title:	Adoption and Fostering
Publisher:	British Association of Adoption & Fostering
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0308-5759
Depositing User:	Dr Tina G. Patel
Date Deposited:	20 Oct 2011 13:00
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2018 06:08
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/18557

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