Overview
Jean Paton (1908–2002) fought tirelessly to reform American adoption and to overcome prejudice against adult adoptees and women who give birth out of wedlock. Paton wrote widely and passionately about the adoption experience, corresponded with policymakers as well as individual adoptees, promoted the psychological well-being of adoptees, and facilitated reunions between adoptees and their birth parents. E. Wayne Carp's masterful biography brings to light the accomplishments of this neglected civil-rights pioneer, who paved the way for the explosive emergence of the adoption reform movement in the 1970s. Her unflagging efforts over five decades helped reverse harmful policies, practices, and laws concerning adoption and closed records, struggles that continue to this day.
Full Product Details
Author: E. Wayne Carp
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press
Imprint: The University of Michigan Press
Dimensions:
Width: 15.20cm
, Height: 3.30cm
, Length: 22.90cm
Weight: 0.643kg
ISBN: 9780472036776
ISBN 10: 0472036777
Pages: 432
Publication Date: 04 October 2016
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
“Fearless, creative and widely read… [Jean Paton] was notable for her unfailing effort to empower adoptees and birth mothers by creating the space for them to take responsibility for themselves… [Her biography] is fascinating to read on many levels, as a study of a movement, of grassroots organizing, and of adoption.” —American Historical Review
A re-writing of the history of adoption in the twentieth century [and the]enormously poignant, moving story of a difficult human being who, likean earthquake, succeeded in shifting the cultural landscape. And morethan that, it's an inside account of a social movement, complete with allthe infighting, backbiting, and profiteering that such movements contain.One of the best books ever written on a reform movement. - Steven Mintz, University of Texas Fearless, creative and widely read ... [Paton] was notable for herunfailing effort to empower adoptees and birth mothers by creating thespace for them to take responsibility for themselves ... [Her biography]is fascinating to read on many levels, as a study of a movement, ofgrassroots organizing, and of adoption. - American Historical Review Heroes in U.S. history emerge as patriotsfrom a variety of challenges. Many neverwear uniforms, but wage battles to altersocial conditions to help ensure civilrights. [Jean Paton] devoted her life tofighting for adoptees so they might learnabout their biological parents ... Familyhistorians will find this volume a must. - Choice
Author Information
E. Wayne Carp is Benson Family Chair in History and Professor of History at Pacific Lutheran University.
