Narratives of "chosen kinship" are those that describe people's experiences of forming emotional bonds through shared activities and life circumstances rather than biological ties. These stories have implications for psychological theories about attachment, dependency, and relational security because they challenge traditional assumptions about how and why humans form close connections. According to attachment theory, infants form primary attachments to caregivers during their early years, which serve as a foundation for later social interactions. Theories of dependency emphasize dependence on parents or other authority figures, while relational security is based on trust, vulnerability, and reciprocity within relationships. In contrast, narratives of chosen kinship suggest that individuals can form strong bonds outside of these established patterns.
The concept of chosen kinship has been explored in various contexts, including adoption, fostering, friendships, and online communities.
Some adopted children may identify more strongly with their adoptive families than with biological relatives, creating a sense of chosen kinship. Similarly, foster care provides an opportunity for children to form new relationships without relying on preexisting family ties. Friendships and romantic partnerships can also be built around shared interests, values, or lifestyle choices, even if there are no genetic similarities. Online communities like fandoms and fanfiction can create a feeling of belonging and support among members who share a passion for a particular subject or creative work.
These narratives challenge the idea that attachment is primarily driven by biology. Instead, they suggest that emotional bonds can develop through shared experience and mutual care, regardless of familial connection. This has important implications for how we think about mental health and well-being. If individuals can form deep connections without biological ties, it suggests that our sense of security and identity should not rely solely on bloodlines or traditional family structures.
It challenges assumptions about what constitutes a "healthy" relationship, as many chosen kinship stories involve nontraditional arrangements or unconventional forms of intimacy.
Narratives of chosen kinship offer a more expansive view of human relationships and highlight the power of social connection. By exploring these stories, we gain insights into how humans form attachments and secure their identities, which can inform our understanding of psychological theories and practices.
It is important to recognize that this does not diminish the importance of biological families or traditional relationships. Rather, it shows us that other kinds of connections can be just as meaningful and valuable.
How do narratives of “chosen kinship†reshape psychological theories about attachment, dependency, and relational security?
The concept of chosen kinship refers to individuals who have not been biologically related but have formed strong emotional bonds based on similar values, interests, and goals. These relationships may be more enduring than those with family members due to their mutual understanding and shared experiences. According to psychology researchers, attachment theory explains how humans develop secure, lasting attachments through early caregivers. This theory assumes that our earliest relationships shape our future ability to form healthy attachments with others.