Orphanhood's dark history challenges Annie's narrative

Kristen Martin critiques the portrayal of orphanhood in popular culture and delves into its societal roots.

Illustration by Iveta Vaicule

By Novanka Laras and Adelina Indah

The Sun Won't Come Out Tomorrow: The Dark History of American Orphanhood, by Kristen Martin

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The enduring popularity of the musical Annie has solidified its status as a heartwarming tale of resilience and hope. Yet, for Kristen Martin, the story perpetuates a misguided narrative about orphanhood. In her book, The Sun Won't Come Out Tomorrow: The Dark History of American Orphanhood, Martin critiques the idea that individual perseverance or the intervention of benevolent benefactors, such as "Daddy" Warbucks, can resolve the systemic issues surrounding orphanhood. Instead, she presents a broader and often darker historical context, exploring the societal forces that shaped the experiences of orphans throughout history.

Martin argues that cultural depictions of orphanhood, including Annie, The Boxcar Children series, and the 1990s TV show Party of Five, misrepresent the realities faced by orphans. These narratives, she contends, suggest that personal grit or familial bonds can compensate for the systemic issues that necessitated orphanages in the first place. By glossing over the societal causes and consequences of orphanhood, such portrayals contribute to a form of disinformation about the lives of vulnerable children.

Kristen Martin's interest in orphanhood is deeply personal. As a teenager, she lost both of her parents to cancer, leaving her and her brother to be raised by relatives. Despite the trauma of losing her parents, Martin acknowledges that her experience was relatively stable compared to many other orphans. This personal history informs her exploration of orphanhood, as she examines the ways societal structures and historical events have shaped the lives of children who, like her, lost their parents or were removed from their care.

Historically, the loss of both parents was not uncommon during periods of crisis, such as the 1918 flu pandemic. However, as Martin points out, only a small percentage of children—approximately 0.3% of Americans—lose both parents before reaching adulthood today. Her book expands the definition of orphanhood to include children whose parents are deemed unfit or unable to care for them. This broader perspective encompasses children in foster care or kinship placements, highlighting the role of the child-welfare system in shaping their experiences.

Martin traces the origins of child-welfare interventions to the 19th century, a period when societal attitudes toward children began to shift. During this time, middle-class families started valuing children for their innocence and emotional connections rather than their economic contributions to the household. This change in perspective led to increased concern for children’s welfare but also, Martin argues, paved the way for problematic interventions in the lives of poor families.

The case of Mary Ellen Wilson in 1874 exemplifies the complexities of early child-welfare efforts. Mary Ellen, a nine-year-old girl entrusted to a couple by New York City’s Department of Charities and Corrections, endured severe abuse and neglect. Her plight was brought to light by Etta Angell Wheeler, who sought help from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in the absence of a dedicated child-welfare agency. This case ultimately led to the establishment of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, marking the beginning of formalized child-protection efforts.

However, Martin critiques these early efforts as being driven by the agendas of politically conservative elites. She argues that the goal of such initiatives was not solely to protect children but also to impose social control, particularly targeting poor immigrant families. According to Martin, these interventions often perpetuated classist and racist ideologies, further marginalizing vulnerable populations.

Martin also examines the role of religious organizations in shaping the history of orphanhood. She argues that many religious initiatives to care for orphans were motivated by a desire to propagate specific faiths or enforce moral standards. For example, the New York Foundling, founded in 1869 to provide care for unwed mothers and their infants, is criticized by Martin as an institution that limited women’s choices rather than empowering them. She draws parallels between historical efforts to control women’s reproductive decisions and contemporary debates over bodily autonomy, emphasizing the enduring influence of these dynamics.

The orphan-train movement, which relocated thousands of children from urban areas to rural families in the Midwest and West, is another focal point of Martin’s critique. While the movement provided better living conditions for some children, it also caused significant trauma for others, separating them from their families and communities. Martin highlights the classist and racist underpinnings of this initiative, noting that the supporters often differed ethnically and economically from the children and families they sought to help.

At the heart of Martin’s analysis is the belief that poverty is a root cause of many challenges faced by vulnerable children. She argues that economic stress exacerbates family tensions and increases the likelihood of abuse or neglect. However, Martin acknowledges that poverty alone does not determine parental behavior, as countless low-income families provide loving and supportive environments for their children.

Martin advocates for systemic reforms to address the underlying issues contributing to child welfare crises. Her proposed solutions include universal basic income, guaranteed housing, and affordable childcare. By reducing economic pressures on families, she argues, society can create a more supportive environment for children and reduce the need for intervention by child-welfare agencies.

While Martin’s critique of historical and contemporary child-welfare practices is compelling, her perspective is not without controversy. Her assertion that early child-protection efforts were primarily driven by ulterior motives may oversimplify the intentions of those involved. Similarly, her call to dismantle the current child-welfare system raises questions about how to balance systemic reform with the immediate need to protect vulnerable children.

Despite these challenges, The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow provides a thought-provoking examination of orphanhood and its portrayal in popular culture. By highlighting the historical and societal factors that shape the experiences of vulnerable children, Martin encourages readers to question the narratives they have taken for granted and to consider the broader implications of child-welfare policies. 

Kristen Martin’s The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow offers a critical perspective on the history of orphanhood, challenging cultural portrayals that romanticize resilience while ignoring systemic issues. Through her exploration of historical cases, societal dynamics, and personal experiences, Martin sheds light on the complexities of child welfare and calls for a more compassionate and equitable approach to supporting vulnerable children.

As society continues to grapple with issues of poverty, inequality, and social justice, Martin’s work serves as a reminder that the stories we tell about orphanhood have real-world implications. By reexamining these narratives and addressing the systemic factors that contribute to vulnerability, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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