Assessing and displaying suitability for adoptive parenthood: a conversation analysis of relationship questions and answers

Abstract

In this study we examine how suitability for adoptive parenthood is assessed and displayed in interactions between social workers and prospective adoptive parents. In particular, we have analyzed relationship questions that are put to couples with and without an observation from the social worker. The answers are featured as very precise, stressing the positive aspects of the relationship but avoiding sainthood, and accompanied with examples that illustrate the stability of the relationship. We concluded that it is not only “what” couples answer but also “how” they answer that is taken into account in the assessment. That is why “being able to finish off each other's sentences when giving an answer” and “having the ability to reflect on the relationship” is considered to be a protective factor for adoptive parenthood.