"Remember the rock whence ye are hewn, and the pit whence ye are digged."
- Jeanette Winterson, 'Babel Dark in the Lighthouse'
Post-Adoption, Illegitimacy, Genealogy, Identity Formation, Social Control, Biotechnology (genetic testing), Past and Future Reproductive Technologies. Power Dynamics, Stigma, Family Historical Research, Online Collaboration.
Mixed-Methods Research
Qualitative Research
Genealogical Research Methods
Online Ethnography
Participatory Research
Foucauldian Analysis (power dynamics, knowledge production)
Critical Discourse Analysis
Poststructuralism (identity formation, performance)
Feminist Theory (family, reproduction, legitimacy)
Queer Theory (non-normative family structures)
Genealogies of Illegitimacy is an ongoing, 25-year research and artistic project (1990-present) exploring the cultural, historical, and philosophical constructions of illegitimacy and the adoption industry. As an adoptee, Jason Knight draws upon their personal history and experiences to inform this ongoing investigation. This investigation informs Knight's artistic practice, revealing the power dynamics underlying knowledge production, identity formation, and social control.
Compilation of research has been an ongoing family history and artistic project undertaken from (1990- present) for over 36 years from publicly sourced data and private interviews with immediate biological family members.
Examine the power dynamics underlying knowledge production, identity formation, and social control.
Investigate the cultural and historical contexts of illegitimacy.
Create a parallel research project that informs Knight's artistic practice.
Compilation of publicly sourced data and private interviews with immediate family members.
Utilization of online platforms (e.g., WikiTree) for genealogical research and collaboration.
Utilize genetic testing services to reveal genetic ancestry and medical information otherwise hidden.
The project centers on Jason Knight's genetic relatives and ancestors, exploring themes of:
Identity formation and performance
Social control and stigma
Knowledge production and legitimacy
Genealogies of Illegitimacy is an innovative, interdisciplinary project bridging genealogy, art, and critical theory.
For recent generations, many assumptions are made, that the parents were married at age 25, and that children were born 2 years apart, this is the best approximation that I have for unlisted offspring until further data becomes available!
Family members are encouraged to request access and update their personal information where available.
This project focuses on genetic relatives, and immediate ancestors of Jason Knight.
If any family members wish to have their identity marked private, please contact me through the WikiTree Private Message link.
I know that there are many profiles that need cleaning up or further detail, I am working on it!
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Bailey-15912
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Knight-9728
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Knight-9730
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Androsoff