This project was implemented through three inter-related scientific work packages. In the first work package, I performed a systematic review of global literature on adoption to identify various aspects of decision-making process, on part of prospective or adoptive parents regarding adoption as a means of family creation that have been investigated through empirical (qualitative and quantitative) research. With a sensitive search strategy combining various key terms I searched seven scientific databases. We are currently screening through various search results as a first step of systematic review. This review will help us identify values, preferences, motivation, reasoning of adoptive parents regarding child adoption. It will be submitted to an academic journal for publication.
In the second work package, I analyzed the legal framework of child adoption in India by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). It helped me understand the legal context that governs and shapes the experience of adopting a child in India. It contributed to refining my interview guide which facilitated in-depth conversations with adoptive parents in work package 3. The laws are often situated in and are influenced by the larger socio-cultural norms, in this case how does society at large visualize an ideal family? How does legal system define and assess suitability of persons to be adoptive parents? Who is considered an ideal parent and why? These normative ideals either implicit or explicit in legal texts shed light on preferred dynamics of family creation in a particular society.
Finally, in the last work package, I interviewed 28 individuals who represented 23 adoptive families. In addition to five couple interviews where both husband and wife participated in the study together, I also spoke with five single women who chose adoption to become mothers. Their stories were unique given that child raising within marriage is still the norm in Indian society. My study sample comprised of 9 men and 19 women, all but one were based in different cities in the state of Maharashtra . Interviews ranged from 60 to 200 minutes, the average being 110 minutes. They were conducted in local languages (Hindi or Marathi) and English, were audio-recorded and transcribed and translated into English. I have just started data coding and analysis and plan to submit at least two scientific manuscripts built on this empirical data to relevant journals in fields of ethics, family studies, sociology and social work.
I will present some of the findings from this study at the World Congress of Bioethics which will take place in Basel, Switzerland in July 2022. As I progress with data analysis, I will submit my work to other conferences and also explore different possibilities to disseminate findings of my study (e.g. newspaper articles, presentation to university students, talks to adoptive parents’ groups)
