International Adoptions: The Quiet Migration

Abstract

The adoption of foreign children by persons in developed countries became an increasingly important phenomenon after World War II. Although worldwide data is limited, U.S. and Swedish information show similar geographic patterns. In the 1940s most foreign children who were adopted came from Europe. During the next two decades a shift to adopting from Asia occurred, and in the 1970s Latin America became a major source area. Examination of the foreign adoption process sheds light on the influences of social and political factors in controlling international migrations.