Browsing by Subject "kansainvälinen adoptio"

The purpose of this study was to find out if internationally adopted children face racism in their everyday lives in Finland. The research is based on the phenomena of racism and international adoption, which are reviewed through previous research and literature. It is, therefore, a multidisciplinary study. The research has been carried out using qualitative research methods, specifically, a case study of two families with internationally adopted small children. The study data was collected by individual interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Adopted families, which have participated in this study, have encountered both open racism and various forms of microaggression. Feelings of belonging of internationally adopted children to the Finnish nation and family have been recorded through various questions and subjects' comments. Some of the data showed good will, but there are also a number of negative comments. Children have faced racism and microaggression both in kindergarten and public places. Racism and negative comments of distinction have been expressed by adults and children. The results of this study indicate that it would be preferable to talk about racism and distinctive characteristics of race more openly in society. Many people are unaware of the distinctions and racist dimensions of microaggressions. Because of this, they may inadvertently make comments and pose questions that are harmful and make internationally adopted children feel uncomfortable being different.