The meaning of biology in the foster family narratives of young adults

Abstract

While biological relatedness has been an issue among anthropologists for some time, the topic has gained little interest in family sociology. Recent contributions exploring how genetic thinking – the process through which biological relationships are rendered meaningful in everyday family living – shapes family life, suggest that this is about to change. This article seeks to contribute to this area of research. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 26 young adults who grew up in kinship foster care, it examines when and how genetic thinking is made relevant in the young adults’ family narratives. Particular attention is paid to how ideas about biological relatedness has shaped their relationships with foster parents and biological parents. The paper gives insight into the more challenging aspects of genetic thinking. It also shows the importance of taking into account the variation in understandings of and emphasis on biological relationships and heritage for children, youth and young adults.