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Toward a formal theory of interactive resocialization: The case of adoptive parenthood

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Abstract

Resocialization is pulled out of its structuralist roots and recast into an interactionist framework. Building on a substantive theory of the resocialization experience of becoming an adoptive parent, three theoretical properties of interactionist resocialization are presented. These can be summarized as involving unlearning and relearning some aspects of a core identity; the interpretation and active reconstruction of that identity which has reciprocal effects on all actors involved; and finally, the effects of both situational and trans-situational norms that give shape to the resocialization experience. Suggestions are made for other substantive areas of research that could be used for comparative analysis in order to further refine a formal theory of interactionist resocialization.

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  1. Department of Family Studies, University of Guelph, N1G 2W1, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Kerry J. Daly Ph.D.

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  1. Kerry J. Daly Ph.D.
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Daly, K.J. Toward a formal theory of interactive resocialization: The case of adoptive parenthood. Qual Sociol 15, 395–417 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00989848

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