A HISTÓRIA ANTERIOR À ADOÇÃO: REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS CONSTRUÍDAS POR PRETENDENTES À ADOÇÃO

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to point out the social representations of the history prior to adoption, constructed by applicants, in addition to analyzing the possible consequences of these social representations for the adoption process and proposing ways to conceive the history prior to adoption in the family and community context. The methodology used was the documentary analysis of records in minutes of an adoption support group, between the years 2017 and 2021. The content of the minutes was analyzed in the light of the Theory of Social Representations, where I found a basis for analyzing representations and their consequences in the context of adoption. A total of 157 records were analyzed. From the fragments analyzed, the social representations constructed by the applicants for adoption show great influence of the myths built historically, representing adoption as something to be camouflaged and as a secondary option to become a parent. The adopted child is represented as a bearer of irreparable traumas and when it comes to the adoption of older children, the social representation is of a child/adolescent of dubious character and personality already formed. With regard to adoptive motherhood and fatherhood, their social representation is natural and divine, and the parents' role would be to provide education and love. Religion occupies a prominent place in social representations, being present in the desired characteristics of the adopted child and in the training of parents. The family of origin is represented as a threat to the adoptive bond and the history of the child prior to adoption is represented as something of great importance, but which causes fear in the parents. The possible consequences of these representations are the propagation of stigmas that cause great damage to the construction of the bond between parents and children and, in a social and community context, reinforce prejudices and the delegitimization of adoption as a form of family constitution.