The impact of social power dynamics on adoption

Adoption is a complex process influenced by many factors beyond legal and emotional considerations. One of the less visible but powerful forces shaping adoption outcomes is social power dynamics. These dynamics affect who gets to adopt, how adoptive families are perceived, and the experiences of adopted children. Understanding these influences helps reveal challenges and opportunities for creating fairer, more supportive adoption systems.

How social power shapes adoption access

Social power refers to the ability of individuals or groups to influence decisions, control resources, and set norms. In adoption, power often plays out through socioeconomic status, race, and cultural expectations.

• Economic resources: Families with higher income and stable employment typically have greater access to adoption opportunities. Adoption agencies and birth parents may prefer families who can provide financial security, which can exclude lower-income applicants.

• Race and ethnicity: Racial biases influence both who is chosen to adopt and how adopted children are matched. For example, white families are more likely to adopt children of color, sometimes leading to cultural disconnection or identity challenges for the child.

• Cultural norms: Societal expectations about family structure, gender roles, and parenting styles affect adoption eligibility and acceptance. Single parents or LGBTQ+ individuals may face barriers due to prevailing social attitudes.

  
  

These power imbalances create uneven playing fields. Families with less social power often encounter more hurdles, longer wait times, or outright rejection. This can discourage potential adoptive parents and limit the diversity of adoptive families.

The role of power in birth parent decisions

Birth parents’ choices are also shaped by social power dynamics. Their decisions about placing a child for adoption are influenced by their social position and the perceived power of adoptive families.

• Trust and control: Birth parents may feel more comfortable placing their child with families who share their cultural background or social status. They often seek families who respect their ongoing connection or who they believe will provide stability.

• Pressure and coercion: In some cases, birth parents with less social power face pressure from agencies, social workers, or family members to choose certain adoptive families. This can limit their autonomy and affect the child’s future.

• Information access: Birth parents with limited resources may not receive full information about adoption options, reducing their ability to make informed choices.

  
  

Recognizing these dynamics highlights the need for adoption practices that empower birth parents, respect their voices, and provide equitable support.

Impact on adopted children’s identity and well-being

Social power dynamics continue to affect adopted children as they grow. Their experiences with identity, belonging, and social acceptance are shaped by the power relations within their families and communities.

• Cultural connection: Children adopted across racial or cultural lines may struggle with identity if their adoptive families lack the resources or awareness to support cultural heritage. This can affect self-esteem and social integration.

• Social stigma: Adoption itself can carry stigma, especially in communities where non-biological family ties are less accepted. Children may face exclusion or misunderstanding from peers.

• Access to support: Families with more social power often have better access to counseling, education, and community resources that help adopted children thrive.

  
  

Addressing these issues requires adoptive families and professionals to be aware of power imbalances and actively work to create inclusive, affirming environments.

Examples of social power influencing adoption outcomes

Several real-world examples illustrate how social power dynamics shape adoption:

• In the United States, studies show that white, middle-class families are more likely to adopt internationally or through private agencies, while families of color face more barriers.

• Some Indigenous communities advocate for placing children within their own communities to preserve cultural identity, challenging mainstream adoption practices that prioritize non-Indigenous families.

• LGBTQ+ prospective parents have historically faced discrimination in adoption processes, though legal and social changes are gradually improving access.

  
  

These examples demonstrate the ongoing need to examine and reform adoption systems to reduce inequities.

Moving toward equitable adoption practices

To address the impact of social power dynamics on adoption, several steps can help create fairer systems:

• Increase transparency in adoption criteria and decision-making to reduce hidden biases.

• Provide support and education for birth parents to make informed choices free from coercion.

• Promote cultural competence among adoptive families and agencies to respect children’s heritage.

• Expand access for diverse families, including those with lower income or from marginalized groups.

• Encourage open adoption models that maintain connections between birth and adoptive families.

  
  

By focusing on these areas, adoption can become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all involved.