Lecture | CMGI Brown Bag Seminar
Domestic relinquishment and adoption in the Netherlands, 1956-1984
- Date
- Wednesday 20 November 2024
- Time
- Series
- CMGI Brown Bag Seminars 2024-2025
- Location
-
Johan Huizinga
Doelensteeg 16
2311 VL Leiden - Room
- Conference room (2.60)
Over the last year and a half, a small team of researchers has conducted historical research on domestic adoption, commissioned by the Dutch minister of legal protection. The investigation report explores the complex dynamics of relinquishment and adoption in the Netherlands during the twentieth century, highlighting societal attitudes, legal frameworks, political debates and personal narratives (of those directly involved or stakeholders). It examines the historical context of (changing) twentieth-century societal norms that influenced family structures and child welfare policies. The study analyses an array of primary sources – laws and jurisprudence, relinquishment and adoption files, archives of mother and baby homes, FIOM and midwife schools, personal testimonies, demographic data etc. – to uncover patterns in relinquishment practices and the experiences of both birth parents and adoptive families. Key themes include the stigma surrounding unwed motherhood, the role of (religious) institutions, the role of psychologists and psychiatrists, and the evolution of adoption laws. The findings reveal a nuanced interplay between individual choices and ‘routes’ and broader societal pressures, offering insights into the lasting impact of these practices on individuals and families. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical context of adoption and its implications for contemporary discussions around family, identity, and belonging in the Netherlands.