Lecture Notes: The Impact of Twin Studies and Adoption

Introduction

• Discussion about awareness among twins regarding their twin status.
• Personal narrative from Howard Burak about his adoption and discovery of having a twin brother.

Personal Background

• Howard Burak's upbringing:
  • Born in New York City, adopted, and raised in loving family.
  • Adoptive parents emphasized his uniqueness as a chosen child.
• Discovery of having an identical twin brother through the Louise Wise Agency.

The Separation of Twins Study

• 1960s scientists studied nature vs. nurture, placing twins in separate families without informing the adoptive parents.
• Both twins were raised in similar family backgrounds:
  • Fathers as business executives, mothers as housewives.
  • Both had three-year-older sisters.
• Howard's reaction upon learning about his twin:
  • Initial shock and desire to find out more about his twin.

Adoption Agency and Ethical Concerns

• Louise Wise Agency's role in the adoption and study:
  • Separated twins for research purposes, claiming it was beneficial for them.
  • Involvement of Dr. Viola Bernard, who promoted the idea that twins are better off apart.
• Criticism of the study:
  • No substantial evidence supporting the separation of twins.
  • Ethical concerns regarding lack of consent and transparency with families involved.

Experiences of Twins After Discovery

• Howard's experience upon meeting his twin:
  • Instant connection and similarities noted (e.g., habits, preferences).
• Reflections on missing piece in life and feelings of incompleteness before discovering twin.
• Relationship dynamics among twins:
  • Unique bond described as the closest relationship in nature.

Case Studies of Twins

• Mention of triplets separated at birth:
  • Their reunion was coincidental yet emotional.
• Stories of families affected by the twin study:
  • Emotional trauma experienced by adoptive families and twins due to separation.
  • Personal accounts of sadness and loneliness from twins raised apart.

Ethical and Political Implications

• The political implications of twin studies and their misuse to justify social issues (e.g., racism, classism).
• Historical context of twin studies:
  • Sir Francis Galton's contributions in the 1870s regarding nature vs. nurture.
• Critique of the Neubauer study for being unethical and lacking transparency.

Unresolved Issues and Future Considerations

• Ongoing efforts by affected families to access study documents.
• Importance of acknowledging the wrongdoings in the twin separation study.
• Emotional impact on individuals who were separated:
  • Long-lasting effects and feelings of loss and trauma.

Conclusion

• Howard Burak and others call for justice and accountability regarding how twins were treated in the study.
• Recognition of the unique and irreplaceable bond between identical twins.