This master thesis deals with the implementation of (bi)cultural socialisation in adoptive families who have adopted a child from abroad. The adoption field emphasises the importance of developing bicultural competences as they have a positive impact on a child's development, identity, sense of acceptance and adaptation to a new environment. In the theoretical part, I defined adoption as a form of social parenting and stressed the importance of open communication with the child about the adoption, as the child has the right to know the truth about their origin. I presented the historical outline of the development of international adoption and the process of international adoption in Slovenia and its occurrence in the country. I identified the importance of awareness of the ethnic, racial and cultural component in the process of international adoption. As international adoption integrates children with different ethnic backgrounds into the Slovenian cultural environment, I also presented the ethnic diversity in Slovenia. I have identified the factors that influence the implementation of cultural and bicultural socialisation in upgringing. Using Bronfenbrenner's theory of ecological systems, I presented the influence of the social environment on the implementation of (bi)cultural socialisation, comparing different practices around the world. I also presented the impact of (bi)cultural socialisation on the formation of the ethnic identity of adopted children and some examples of the most commonly used forms of (bi)cultural socialisation and support used by parents. In the empirical part, I have conducted qualitative research on a sample of one couple and five individuals who became parents through international adoption in Russia and three different countries in Africa. I have explored the experiences, dilemmas, obstacles and challenges that Slovenian adoptive parents face in implementing (bi)cultural socialisation and biculturalism in their families. The results of the research and the findings that shed light on the field of international adoption and biculturalism show that there is a lack of knowledge in the field of bicultural socialisation in adoptive families, as not much attention has been paid to this area in Slovenia. The implementation of bicultural socialisation is thus completely left to decisions and judgemenst of the adoptive parents, who, according to their knowledge, value system and beliefs, do or do not integrate the culture of origin into the family's everyday life. In doing so, they are often faced with a lack of knowledge about the culture of the country of origin. People who have adopted inter-racially also face everyday racism. The findings of the research imply the need for structured adoption preparation and post-adoption follow-up and support as an area of assistance in which adoptive parents wouls acquire the necessary skills for successful bicultural socialisation.
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