Parenthood in the life stories of people who have lived in care, 1950-1990.


Main funder


Funds granted by main funder (€)

  • 129 000,00


Project timetable

Project start date01/02/2017

Project end date30/06/2023


Summary

Childhood in foster care or child protection institutions shapes individuals’ perceptions of their biological parents and also of their own parenthood. It is also evident that social problems are often transmitted to the next generation. It has been suggested that the relationship to the mother is the most important family relation for women having spent part of their childhood in children’s homes. The aim of the project is to take this notion further, and to examine the effects of out-of-home care on a person’s own motherhood or fatherhood and enhance understanding of the long term consequences of out-of-home care for society.

In 2013 the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in Finland set up an historical inquiry on child abuse and neglect in child protection institutions and foster homes in 1937–83. The final report of the inquiry was published in 2016. It was possible to analyse only the main features of the rich interview material in the official report. The inquiry indicated that becoming a mother or a father after growing up in out-of-home care can turn out to be an emotional, mentally challenging experience. Questions concerning parenthood and self have a profound effect on a person’s everyday life with her/his family. The proposed project continues and advances the analysis of the unique data on the inquiry. In addition, the project will collect new life story material which also includes positive experiences of out-of-home care.

This research will generate knowledge about the outcomes for those who spent their childhood in institutions or foster families. It will be accomplished by asking people leaving care about their experiences and how these have affected their lives. The project asks: What does a childhood in out-of-home care mean in a person’s life story? What does it mean to be a mother or a father after growing up in out-of-home care? The main focus is on meanings of parenthood in life stories. Parents and parenthood carry different meanings and interpretations during the life course. Therefore a method of oral history and life story interview has been chosen for the proposed project.


Principal Investigator


Other persons related to this project (JYU)


Primary responsible unit


Web page

https://kirsimaria.com/sijaishuollon_muistot/


Internal follow-up group

Profiling areaSchool of Wellbeing (University of Jyväskylä JYU) JYU.Well


Free keywords

oral history, life narrative, parenthood, foster care, motherhood, fatherhood


Related publications and other outputs


Last updated on 2023-29-09 at 12:46