Orphanages, Foundlings, and Foster Mothers: The System of Child Circulation in a Brazilian Squatter Settlement

Abstract

ruptured by death, divorce or remarriage. In these conditions, the interaction of specific economic and cultural factors points to the dissolution of the mother-child unit as a satisfactory survival strategy. FEBEM is but one possible foster parent' along with relatives and acquaintances. A woman's choice between alternatives depends on her previous experience with FEBEM, her child's age, the availability offoster households in her personal universe, and the urgency of her need In dealing with FEBEM, the mother, applying the same policy she uses with otherfosterparents, tries to retain full parentalprerogatives while getting rid of the brunt ofchild-rearing responsibilities. Failure to recognize the economic and cultural context in which women make the decision to institutionalize a child leads FEBEM officials to view their demands as a morally reprehensible abuse of government assistance.

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