Transnational influences in the social production of adoptable children

Abstract

Purpose To consider transnational aspects linked to the social production of adoptable children in a Brazilian setting. Design/methodology/approach Looks at legislation and media reports, giving particular attention to how, during the 1990s, vigorous campaigns in favor of plenary adoption by Brazilian nationals implied the near‐total silencing of alternative forms of childcare such as foster care, and how recent circumstances are reversing this trend. Findings Argues that an apparently straightforward conflict between poverty‐stricken families and the state authorities that strip them of parental rights is in fact a highly political issue involving innumerous overseas as well as national influences. National childcare policies that encourage certain childcare options and eliminate others emerge as much from scandals in the media, “consumer demands” by adoptive parents, and philanthropic support as from the more apparent global trends in child welfare legislation. Research limitations/implications The findings challenge the view that childcare is a consensual issue with all fronts working for the “child's best interest”. Rather, in this paper, the issue is revealed as a political matter of conflicting interests between unequal categories of caretakers. Practical implications This paper has direct relevance for international legislation on child adoption policy. Originality/value This paper furnishes a “view from below” on international adoption, putting in question principles that are normally accepted as obvious in international legislation on child rights.

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