Adoption from an Africentric perspective: A comparative study of African-Americans who adopted and those who did not adopt
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to test a propositional theory of Africentricity as a motivator of adoption among African Americans. Ninety-two African Americans (48 who had adopted and 44 who inquired but did not adopt) responded to a mailed survey questionnaire. Respondents were mostly female, of middle-class social status (according to income, education, and occupation), married, and affiliated with a formal religion. Adopters were significantly more often married, with higher income, and had originally contacted an adoption agency for parent-need-centered, compared to child-need-centered reasons. While there were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the dimensions of the African Self-Consciousness Scale, two of the dimensions (Self-Reinforcement Against Racism and Racial and Cultural Awareness) predicted adoption, in addition to one's initial reason for contacting an adoption agency. Although differences on the subjective well-being and couple satisfaction measures were not statistically significant, the direction and strength of the findings provided support for future investigation of these areas. Use of these data in child welfare policy and practice, especially recruitment efforts, is discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Targ, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social work|Public policy|Black studies|Individual & family studies|African American Studies
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