Assessing and displaying suitability for adoptive parenthood: a conversation analysis of relationship questions and answers

In this study we examine how suitability for adoptive parenthood is assessed
and displayed in interactions between social workers and prospective adoptive
parents. In particular, we have analyzed relationship questions that are
put to couples with and without an observation from the social worker. The
answers are featured as very precise, stressing the positive aspects of the
relationship but avoiding sainthood, and accompanied with examples that
illustrate the stability of the relationship. We concluded that it is not only
‘‘what’’ couples answer but also ‘‘how’’ they answer that is taken into
account in the assessment. That is why ‘‘being able to finish o¤ each
other’s sentences when giving an answer’’ and ‘‘having the ability to reflect
on the relationship’’ is considered to be a protective factor for adoptive
parenthood.