Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America [Paperback]

Adam Pertman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 23, 2001

Adoption is both sweeping the nation and changing it, accelerating our transformation into a more multicultural and multiethnic country and helping to redefine our understanding of "family." Adoption Nation is essential reading for adoptive families, for anyone contemplating adopting a child, and for everyone touched by this extraordinary cultural transformation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Based on a series of articles that he wrote for the Boston Globe, Pertman combines journalistic research and personal anecdotes in this stimulating overview of the trends and cultural ramifications of adoption. His views come through loud and clear: families should be "out" about their adoptive status, children should be told that they were adopted as early as possible and all members of the adoption "triad" (birth mother, child and parents) should try to stay in close communication. Suggesting that adoptive families have benefited enormously from the country's increasing acceptance of racial diversity, Pertman argues that the controversial 1994 Multiethnic Placement Act (which stipulates that transracial adoptions can not be legally prohibited) is a strong step forward in placing the interests of the individual child over those of an abstract, race-based notion of family. He also suggests that adoption itself has helped to instigate social change: in its role as an "institutionalized means of forming non-traditional families," adoption may help gay, multiracial and single-parent families gain greater social acceptance. Even so, Pertman contends, adoptive families are still subject to many hurtful stereotypes (e.g., the irresponsible birth mother; the selfish adoptive parents). Perhaps most harrowing is his discussion of the effect of "laissez faire" capitalist thinking on adoption policy and the largely unregulated nature of the "industry" that has sprung up around it (e.g., one woman tried to sell her baby on eBay; the highest bid was $109,100). This disturbing and hopeful book will primarily attract adoptive families and policy makers, who will find that it has much to say about our changing definitions of family, race and community. (Nov.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Pertman brings a reporter's skill and adopting parent's concerns to this comprehensive look at the process of adoption. After years of incremental change, adoption is undergoing a revolution: states are revising laws and agencies are simplifying rules. Pertman also examines the trend toward opening adoption for singles, multiracial families, gays, and the middle aged. Although adoption is still fundamentally private, it is no longer shrouded in the secrecy of the past as more states allow for open adoptions and balance the rights and desires of birth parents, adopting parents, and adopted children. Pertman examines the history of adoption from the foundling homes of the nineteenth century to current trends that are "advancing the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity that is a hallmark of Twenty First Century America." This book is a valuable resource for adoptive families, readers considering adoption, or anyone concerned about trends in family formation. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (October 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465056512
• ISBN-13: 978-0465056514
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,153,847 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viewing the "Big Picture" of Adoption, October 9, 2000

By 

Pam Hasegawa (Morristown, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adoption Nation: How The Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America (Hardcover)

Most of us tend to gravitate toward books that either affirm or stretch our deepest beliefs. I read Adam Pertman's ADOPTION NATION because I met him early on in his research for the 1998 Boston Globe series, watched him thoroughly explore the many facets of this complicated and bittersweet social institution, and knew that finally someone was working on a book that looked at the big picture of the "adoption revolution" that is truly transforming America. That book is here, and put into the hands of policy-makers who truly care about the best interests of children, it can make an enormous difference in the future -- and the integrity -- of adoption in America. A charming aspect of this brilliant examination of adoption's impact on our society is that through personal vignettes, Pertman eloquently illustrates how the revolution has been shaped not by professionals but by people who have lived adoption. His respect and compassion for all the voices in the adoption experience make this an unforgettable book.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adoption Nation - a MUST!, November 25, 2000

By 

Sandra Wilson (Birmingham, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adoption Nation: How The Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America (Hardcover)

Adoption Nation is a well written book that should be read by all - not just by those people affected or "touched" by adoption. For decades, the subject of adoption has been "off limits". Birth parents had long been shamed into "forgetfullness", Adoptees were taught it wasn't nice to ask questions about their status as adoptees, and Adoptive Parents were afraid to speak of it. In fact, to this day, even the lawmakers and judges project negative tones with regard to adoption. It's time the world opened their eyes to adoption and embrace it. There is no reason that Adoption should have negative over tones surrounding it all in the name of secrecy. Finally, with Adoption Nation and with adoption reform movements all around the country, Adoption and adoption triad members are coming out of the closet and the stigmas are beginning to be washed away! My hat is off to all who actively work for adoption reform and especially to Adam Pertman for writing such an eye opening and compelling book! Everyone deserves truth, dignity and honesty!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adoption Nation - required reading for adoption professional, October 17, 2000

By 

Marilyn M Waugh (Topeka, KS United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adoption Nation: How The Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America (Hardcover)

In a perfect world, adoption would not exist. However in the year 2000, thousands of infants and children still need homes and we, as a society, must actively work towards making this process humane and compassionate for all involved. Adam Pertman, in his well researched and beautifully written award winning book, explains how adoptions were done in previous decades, details the recent changes that have improved the process and speculates on future practices. As a reunited birth mother who relinquished a son in 1970, it is gratifying that this book was published; this should be required reading in all college curriculum dealing with social work and psychology.