Abstract

LEAO, Flávia Elso et al. Theoretical reflections on maternity and adoption in the context of female single parenthood. Pensando fam. [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.2, pp. 45-59. ISSN 1679-494X.

The many achievements of women in the course history and the advance of the laws about adoption made it possible that a woman, without a spouse, conquered the right to adopt a child, resulting in a new family arrangement. This unsystematic review of literature aimed to discuss the female single parenthood constituted through the adoption. The national and international studies found show that single mothers by choice are approximately 30 years old, have high schooling and stability in the job market, and do not present difficulties in working and taking care of adopted child. This mothers are seen as “atypical” and face moral problems which involve the exercise of parenthood without a spouse. The absence of the spouse leads to greater proximity to the mother according to the children. Finally, social support, especially extended family, is expected and necessary. Reflections on the singularity of this family arrangement are proposed.

Keywords : Single parenthood; Single mother by choice; Adoption.

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