Saviorism, Narcissism, and the Adoption Industry

Episode Description:
In this episode of Adoptees Crossing Lines, Noelle, Lia, and Tosha discuss adoption as it relates to saviorism and narcissism, particularly in the context of adoptive parents. They explore how saviorism centers the adoptive parents while disregarding the child's needs and how adoption as an industry upholds harmful power dynamics. This conversation highlights the common thread of narcissism found in many adoptive parents' experiences and questions the standards of evaluating prospective adoptive parents. Additionally, they discuss how family separation is upheld as a means to create a 'better life' for children, rather than providing resources to preserve families.

In this episode, we cover:
(00:33) Defining Saviorism and Its Connection to Adoption.
(03:11) The Profitable Nature of the Adoption Industry.
(04:10) Adoption Framed as a “Good Home” vs. “Bad Home.”
(05:06) Transracial Adoption and the White Savior Complex.
(06:05) The Harmful Narratives of 'Saving' Black Children.
(07:02) The Biases in Adoption Systems Against Black & Brown Families.
(09:00) The Role of Narcissism in Adoption.
(11:52) Emotional Burden on Adoptees and the Need for Support.
(13:38) Infertility and Narcissistic Patterns in Adoption.
(14:37) The Carceral Nature of the Child Welfare System.
(17:26) The Manipulation of 'Selflessness' in Adoption Narratives.
(20:05) Understanding Adoption Trauma.

Call To Action:
Website: adopteescrossinglines.com
Instagram: @adopteescrossinglines
BlueSky: adopteecrossing.bsky.social
TikTok: @adopteescrossinglines_
Substack: Adoptees Crossing Lines Substack

Resource:
Peer Support Space - A free global online peer support group for those who survived the system as kids. Register here.

Work With Me:
Email: [email protected] for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Editing by Samuel Oyedele:
Special thanks to Samuel Oyedele for editing our podcast. Support his work on Instagram or email him at [email protected].