Family-to-family child migration network of informal adoption in China

Abstract

Historically, informal adoption has been a prevalent Chinese social phenomenon that has altered typical family structures and the lives of children. Due to ambiguous definitions and the scarcity of data on informal adoption, the patterns and processes of informal adoption are not well understood. Therefore, in this study, data from commonwealth websites were used to explore the temporal and spatial patterns and network evolution of informal adoption from 1924 to 2018. The results indicate that severe famine and birth control campaigns increased the number of informal adoptions. Son preference was highlighted during the strict implementation of the one-child policy. From a spatial perspective, the data are distributed in provinces and zones with higher population densities. Major cities also play a key role in information transfer. We expect the findings to provide basic knowledge on informal adoption in China and serve as a reference for the protection of children's rights.

Effect of parental migration on the noncognitive abilities of left-behind school-going children in rural China

“…The detrimental effects of prolonged parental absence from a child's life may outweigh the benefits of higher household income frequently associated with immigration. In addition, concerns about the abuse of children who are left behind in rural China have been voiced by numerous commentators (see Chen et al, 2009;Ma et al, 2020). Families affected by internal or external migration worldwide should pay equal attention to this issue (Brantl et al 2021).…”

Reconsider the triangle: Effects of birth parents’ communicative practices on Chinese hidden children’s identification with family of origin

“…The Chinese government implemented the one-child policy in the late 1970s to ensure that the demand resulting from an unprecedented population growth would not jeopardize economic development (Gietel-Basten et al, 2019), and to promote gender equality (Stark, 2003). However, the predominant preference for sons in China grew out of historically patrilineal family structures in which men were expected to provide for their parents and continue the family line (Ma et al, 2020). Childbearing families with strong desires for male children, regardless of whether their first child was a male or female, often considered having a second child.…”