Genetic Stigma in Law and Literature: Orphanhood, Adoption, and the Right to Reunion (1st ed. 2023) (Palgrave Socio-Legal Studies)

Synopsis

This book critically analyses the way in which traditional sociocultural and legal biases might be perpetuated against those with unknown – or unknowable – genetic ancestries. It looks to law and works of literature across differing eras and genres focussing upon such concepts as inherited stigma, illegitimacy, orphanisation, adoption, othering, reunion, and the ‘right’ to access truths that relate to one’s original identity. Law’s role in such matters is often limited (or usurped) by custom, practice, or lingering superstitious beliefs; the importance of oral and written testimony is therefore highlighted. Characters include abandoned or orphaned figures from folk and fairy tales, Romantic and Victorian monsters and heroes, Dickensian waifs, Edwardian rescue orphans, and dystopia-set ‘rebels.‘ Their insights and experiences are mirrored in various present day scenarios that speak to familial human rights abuses, not least forced adoptions and bars on accessing original information. This cross-disciplinary book drawing on Law, Literature, Sociology, Critical Adoption Studies should be of interest to those interested in and those who have been affected in some way by adoption, origin deprivation, or reunion.

Copyright:

2023

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9783031462467

Related ISBNs:

9783031462450

Publisher:

Springer International Publishing

Date of Addition:

01/18/24

Copyrighted By:

The Editor

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Reference, Literature and Fiction, Parenting and Family, Social Studies, Language Arts, Law, Legal Issues and Ethics, Politics and Government

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.