Controversy and Its Implications for the Practice of Contemporary Social Work in Intercountry Adoptions: A Korean-Australian Case Study

Australian Social Work, Vol. 63, No. 4, pp. 445-458, 2010

16 Pages Posted: 30 Jan 2012 Last revised: 31 Oct 2013

See all articles by Patricia Fronek

Patricia Fronek

Griffith University - School of Allied Health and Social Work; and Law Futures

Cheryl Tilse

University of Queensland

Date Written: January 28, 2012

Abstract

Korean-Australian inter-country adoption has been practiced for 30 years. This longevity provides unique opportunities to develop critical perspectives on a complex, global practice. This paper presents understandings drawn from a study that explores Korean inter-country adoption using Actor Network Theory. It argues that the practice of inter-country adoption in Australia has been shaped by adoption-driven influences and characterised by controversy and competing discourses. It concludes that contemporary understandings necessitate a global, contextual, and critical view that is inclusive of emerging voices and alternate discourses. The challenge for practitioners and policy makers is to ensure the complex nature of the phenomenon is understood by all stakeholders. This will involve remaining child-focused, promoting multilevel interventions, incorporating research findings, and resisting wholly positive discourse that promotes singular perspectives. An awareness of how the internet is used to forge networks and promote discourses is crucial in ensuring multiple perspectives are considered in this contentious practice field.

Keywords: intercountry adoption, critical practice, actor network theory

Suggested Citation

Fronek, Patricia and Tilse, Cheryl, Controversy and Its Implications for the Practice of Contemporary Social Work in Intercountry Adoptions: A Korean-Australian Case Study (January 28, 2012). Australian Social Work, Vol. 63, No. 4, pp. 445-458, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1994575

Patricia Fronek (Contact Author)

Griffith University - School of Allied Health and Social Work; and Law Futures ( email )

Parklands Drive
Soutport
Gold Coast, QLD 4222
Australia
61 (0) 7 55529345 (Phone)
61 (0) 7 55528562 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.griffith.edu.au/health/school-human-services-social-work/staff/dr-patricia-fronek

Cheryl Tilse

University of Queensland ( email )

St Lucia
Brisbane, Queensland 4072
Australia

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