Abstract
In this chapter we propose to discuss and illustrate the construction-destruction semiosis of hierarchical semiotic systems, emphasizing preserved traces of signs destroyed in the emergence of the transition toward the decision to adopt and the creation of a new sign. We will study the trajectory of a heterosexual couple, concentrating on their symbolic resignifications once facing (1) rupture with the desire to get pregnant after several unsuccessful attempts and (2) the perspective that adoption had become the only possibility for them to become parents. The analysis used the quadratic unit proposed by Valsiner (An invitation to cultural psychology, Sage, 2014; in this volume). Through the rupture experienced by the couple in the attempt to get pregnant, we explored the tension and ambivalence in the coordination of the two infinities (future < > past, inner < > outer) that promoted the change in point of view and the subsequent decision: to consider adoption as a way of becoming parents. The rupture and its subsequent confrontation took place during data construction, in real time, which, on the one hand, made it possible to widen the scope of findings in this experience but, on the other hand, limited the investigation about the transition experienced given the lack of personal distancing from it.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
On hierarchical sign systems, see Valsiner, 2007, 2014.
- 2.
“The notion of affective fields suggests that living situations which were attributed a specific feeling – for example, ‘adoption is a problem’ or ‘adoption is good’ – will regulate (semiotic regulation) future encounters between this person and the social environment” (Valério, 2013).
References
Andrade, R. P., Costa, N. R. A., & Rossetti-Ferreira, M. C. (2006). Significações de paternidade adotiva: um estudo de caso. Paideia, 16(34), 241–252 Recuperado em 17/09/11, de http://www.scielo.br/pdf/paideia/v16n34/v16n34a12.pdf
Cabell, K., & Valsiner, J. (2014). The catalyzing mind: Beyond models of causality. Cham: Springer.
Levinzon, G. K. (2006). A adoção clínica psicanalítica: o trabalho com os pais adotivos. Mudanças: Psicologia da Saúde., 14(1), 24–31.
Marková, I. (2003). Dialogicality and social representations: The dynamics of mind. Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
Marsico, G. (2011). The ‘Non-cuttable’ space in between: Context, boundaries and their natural fluidity. Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science, 45(2), 185–193. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-011-9164-9
Modell, J. (1997). Where do we go next? Long-term reunion relationships between adoptees and birth parents. Marriage & family review., Kansas, 25(1), 43–66.
Nascimento, P. F. G. (2006) Paternidade e infertilidade: Reflexões sobre gênero, saúde e novas tecnologias reprodutivas. 30 Encontro Anual da ANPOCS. Caxambu, MG. http://www.anpocs.com/index.php/papers-30-encontro/gt-26/gt03-12/3209-pnascimento-paternidade/file
Riley, N. E., & Van Vleet, K. E. (2012). Making families through adoption. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Sato, T., Yasuda, Y., Kido, A, Arakawa, A., Mizoguchi, H. & Valsiner, J (2007b). Sampling Reconsidered: Idiographic Science and the Analyses of Personal Life Trajectory. In Valsiner, J, Rosa, A. (2007). The Cambridge Handbook of Sociocultural Psychology. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge
Schettini Filho, L. (2008). Compreendendo os filhos adotivos. Recife: Bagaço.
Schettini Filho, L. (1998). Compreendendo os pais adotivos. Recife: Bagaço.
Valério, T.A.M. (2013). “O filho adotivo não vem de fora, vem de dentro”: um estudo sobre trajetórias de vidas e a construção de significados sobre a decisão de adotar na perspectiva da psicologia cultural semiótica”. Dissertação de mestrado não-publicada, Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia Cognitiva, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE.
Valério, T. A. M., & Lyra, M. C. D. P. (2014). A construção cultural de significados sobre adoção: um processo semiótico. Psicologia & Sociedade, 26(3), 716–725.
Valsiner, J. (2018). Human psyche as inherently ambivalent: Semiosis of construction and destruction. In M. C. D. P. Lyra & M. A. Pinheiro (Eds.), Cultural psychology as basic science: Dialogues with Jaan Valsiner. Cham: Springer.
Valsiner, J. (2014). An invitation to cultural psychology. London: Sage.
Zittoun, T. (2013). Three dimensions of dialogical movement, New Ideas in Psychology. Acessado em 21/08/17. Disponível: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newideapsych.2013.05.006.
Zittoun, T. (2012). Life-course: a social-cultural perspective. In J. Valsiner (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of culture and psychology. New York: Oxford University Press.
Zittoun, T. (2009). Dynamics of life-course transitions: A methodological reflection. In Dynamic Process Methodology in the Social and Developmental Sciences. Chapter 18 (pp. 405–429).
Zittoun, T. (2006). Transitions. Development through symbolic resources. Coll. Advances in Cultural Psychology: Constructing Development. Greenwich (CT): InfoAge.
Zittoun, T. & Gillespie, A. (2014) Integrating experiences: Body and mind moving between contexts. Paper for the The Annual Niels Bohr Lecture in Cultural Psychology.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 The Editor(s) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Valério, T., Ferreira-Novaes, N.M. (2018). Preserved Traces of Destroyed Sign Hierarchy: From Genetic Parenting to Adoptive Parenting. In: Lyra, M., Pinheiro, M. (eds) Cultural Psychology as Basic Science. SpringerBriefs in Psychology(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01467-4_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01467-4_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-01466-7
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-01467-4
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyBehavioral Science and Psychology (R0)