Definition of adopter

The word "adopter" originated in the late 19th century, at the emergence of the modern adopted child arrangement. Before that, adoption was a family and community affair, and the legal process was relatively unregulated. The term "adopter" was coined to refer to the person or couple who were seeking to adopt a child. It reflects the changing mindset towards adoption as a planned, deliberate process, rather than just a way to pass on a family legacy through relatives or neighbors. The concept of genetic inheritance and eugenics became more prominent during the second half of the 19th century, leading to stricter child welfare laws and adoption practices. As adoptive families came under closer scrutiny, authorities began to use the terms "adopter" and "foster parent" to distinguish between those raising children through adoption and those caring for them temporarily. The term "parent" was reserved for biological parents, reflecting the belief that genetics were essential to child development and that children's identity and welfare were based on their biological heritage. Eventually, the idea that love and nurturing were more critical than genetics led to the recognition that adoptive parents could also provide children with the security and stability they needed. Nowadays, "adopter" is becoming less commonly used, as people adopt the more person-centered term "adoptive parent" to reflect the reality that these individuals are bestowed with the full rights and responsibilities of parenthood, including legal, social, and emotional ties to their children.