The Symbolic Crises of Adoption

Abstract

Although adoption is a fairly common means of family building, the public lacks the orientation to express positive adoption symbols, to put a positive “face” on adoption. Adoptive families find their realities and those of others at odds, and the results are reflected in insensitive remarks, questioning motives, and damaged self-esteems. Symbolic crises are the result of changing adoption patterns and motives; language transformations that create tension; and media misrepresentations. This paper articulates the dimensions of the symbolic crises faced by adoptive families and adoption advocates created by media agenda setting.