A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Ethnic Socialization among International Adoptees

Abstract

Although the number of U.S. families who choose international adoption has grown dramatically over the past decade, concern remains about separating such children from their racial/ethnic/cultural groups of origin. Existing literature has primarily focused on African American or immigrant children's ethnic socialization experiences with little attention given to ethnic socialization of international adoptees. This paper describes a theoretical framework for understanding ethnic socialization among international adoptees and examines the applicability of existing models for understanding developmental and psychosocial outcomes for adopted minority children. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.