Oral PhD Defense: Nasreen S. Fynewever

Adoptee Identity Affirmation in US K12 Schools

Advisors: Peter Demerath and Nathaniel Stewart

Abstract:

This dissertation explores how schools contribute to the displacement experienced by adoptees, particularly transnational, transracial, and transethnic adoptees, by perpetuating disconnection from their first families, cultures, and racial identities. Through qualitative analysis of adult adoptee experiences, it identifies key areas where schools reinforce this displacement—curriculum, environment, staff awareness, and a lack of identity affirmation—while advocating for culturally responsive, adoptee-affirming practices. The study calls for educational reform that addresses epistemic injustice and ambiguous loss, with the goal of creating spaces where adoptees’ identities are fully recognized and supported.

Online via Zoom