The Institution of Adoption: Its Sources and Perpetuation

Historical adoption trends are examined in the context of changing child welfare policies (including the permanency planning movement), the social circumstances and causes of the surrender of children for adoption, and women's rights. The focus is on the "front end" of the adoption system, including the perspectives of the birth parents and the range of options that were available to them at the time of surrender. The nature of the relationship between poverty and adoption is explored.