Returning to China: The Experience of Adopted Chinese Children and Their Parents

Abstract

This study examines the motivations and experiences of adopted Chinese children and their American parents who have made return trips to mainland China to learn more about children's pre-adoption histories. Using in-depth interviews and ethnographic data from five families that visited children's home provinces, orphanages, and abandonment locations between 2005 and 2007, this research explores the following themes: why parents and children felt it was important to return to China; individuals’ lived experiences while in China; and, after the trip, which questions regarding children's early lives were resolved and which new ones emerged. Findings suggest that parents and children have varied expectations, experiences, and opinions about returning to China. Therefore, delineating parental desires and needs from those of children is critical.