The Framing of Adoption: A Content Analysis of Print News Coverage 2014-2016

Abstract

A qualitative content analysis method was applied to explore the frames associated with child adoption news coverage over a three-year period. The research questions examined the frame themes represented in print news stories about adoption and their prominence. An analysis of national print news publications found that child adoption coverage leaned toward regulatory and policy frames and frames about the child welfare industry. Absent from print news frames were themes that focused on the humanity of adoption, whether from the perspective of individuals and couples considering adoption or of children either waiting to be adopted or who were adopted successfully. The skew toward a small subset of themes on such a complex issue has implications for adopters and adoptees and the stigmas perpetuated across society.