Adoption of children from halfway around the world by A-list celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Madonna has brought much attention to international and multiracial adoption. But while children in need always benefit from a good home, new research published in the journal Family Process (PDF) sheds new light on the importance of cultural identity among multiracial adoptees.
Dr. Gina Miranda Samuels, author of the study and a multiracial adoptee herself, was quoted in a press release stating the importance of identifying with one's culture of origin:
"We must question the meaning and cultural experiences (or lack thereof) beneath these labels. Furthermore, the idea of 'colorblindness' is now challenged as an effective approach in transracial parenting."
More to the point, Dr. Samuel's study suggests that white parents with children of color must make the effort to provide their children with culturally and racially diverse experiences. Becoming multicultural is at least as important as understanding one's multiracial qualities, she asserts.
The study is based on interviews with 25 multiracial adults (all participants had Caucasian biological mothers and African-American biological fathers) adopted by Caucasian parents. Four specific patterns of bicultural identity formation were identified:
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Claiming cultural "whiteness"
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Learning "blackness" from peers
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Establishing authentic, biological black family ties
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Conceptualizing a bicultural identity
Most adoptees told interviewers that they searched for their extended, biological black family members in an attempt to "feel more deeply connected to their black heritage."
Although most participants said they were raised with a "colorblind" philosophy, Dr. Samuels strongly disagrees with that approach. For more information about interracial adoptions and adoption in general, please visit our Related Resources.
Related Resources:
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Interracial Adoptions (FindLaw)
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The Adoption Option: Types of Adoption (FindLaw Law & Daily Life Blog)
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