Rethinking Adoption (with Gretchen Sisson)

In this episode, we talk with sociologist Gretchen Sisson about her book Relinquished and how adoption decisions are shaped by poverty, policy, and cultural ideas about who is “worthy” to parent. We discuss pushback that adoption is inherently altruistic, noting high demand for babies and predatory market incentives. The conversation also connects adoption to foster care, racialized histories, and reproductive justice.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:41 Gretchen’s Origin Story03:49 Teen Parenthood and Poverty07:26 Adoption Pushback and Myths12:19 Centering Children Over Adults15:13 Foster Care and Repro Justice19:13 Race and the Adoption Market22:19 How to Get Involved23:58 Next Projects and Wrap UpGretchen’s BookRelinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood(Pre-order Paperback)Other Books MentionedTorn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--And How Abolition Can Build a Safer World by Dorothy RobertsA Place Called Home by David AmbrozWhere to Find Gretchenhttps://www.gretchensisson.com/InstagramThank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.