Many babies were adopted from Korea due to a combination of factors, primarily linked to social and economic circumstances within South Korea. Adoption became a way to remove children who were perceived as not deserving of social welfare support.
Historical Context and Contributing Factors
The phenomenon of international adoption from South Korea can be attributed to the following key factors:
- Mixed-Race Children: Initially, many of the children put up for adoption were of mixed race, born to South Korean women and Western soldiers. These children faced significant social stigma.
- Poverty: As adoption programs developed, children from poor families were increasingly placed for adoption. This offered a perceived solution to families struggling to provide for their children.
- Unwed Mothers: Babies born to unwed mothers also became a significant part of the adoption system. Societal pressures and lack of support for single mothers contributed to this.
- Social Welfare Concerns: Adoption was seen by some as an easier and cheaper alternative to providing social welfare services for these children. The reference notes that adoption became "an easy way to remove the children that they didn't believe were worthy of social welfare spending."
In summary, international adoption from South Korea was driven by a complex interplay of racial prejudice, poverty, lack of social support for unwed mothers, and a preference for adoption over robust social welfare programs.
