Disownment
Renunciation of a family member, often with legal and social consequences.
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Disownment is the act by which a parent, sibling, or relative renounces or no longer accepts a child or relative as a family member. It is a social and interpersonal act, distinct from adoption, and may occur later in the child's life, implying no responsibility for future care. Disownment may entail disinheritance, familial exile, or shunning, and can be initiated by the child through emancipation.
Quick Facts
- Historical examples
- Roman law
- Code of Hammurabi
- Tanala of Ikongo
- Antandroy
- Louisiana
- Related concepts
- Family estrangement, honor killing
Facts from the source article.
Background
Disownment occurs when a parent, sibling, or relative renounces a child or relative due to actions perceived as reprehensible or leading to severe emotional consequences. Unlike giving a child up for adoption, disownment is a social act that may take place later in life, meaning the disowned child must arrange for future care and find another residence. It implies no responsibility for future care, similar to divorce or repudiation of a spouse.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Disownment (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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