Sibling Relationships Over the Life Course: A Panel Analysis

摘要: Using pooled time series analysis on approximately 9,000 individuals ages 16-85 interviewed in the 1987-1988 and 1992-1994 waves of National Survey Families Households (NSFH), this research examines change 4 behavioral measures sibling relationships-proximity, contact, giving help, receiving helpover life course. All four relationship decline significantly during early adulthood, but proximity contact stabilize middle age do not further, whereas exchange demonstrates a slight rise after 70. Life course analyses provide only modest support for model which siblings substitute parents, spouses, children. With partial exception proximity, measured changes explain observed effects. In daily round activities that occupy foreground adult lives, generally play minor role (Wellman & Wortley, 1990). If one shifts one's perspective from snapshot to lifetime perspective, however, more prominent role. Siblings are those with whom most closely shares genetic, family, social class, historical background is tied by network interlocking family relationships. Cross-sectional evidence suggests average has once or twice month 60 70 years leaving home (White Riedmann, 1992), adults perceive significant reciprocal obligations between (Connidis, 1994; Rossi Rossi, Although may be central adults' lives at any given point time, it unique its durability. pattern familiar other areas study, relationships tends focus either childhood old age. developmentalists stress importance as rivals mentors (Hetherington, 1994) gerontologists argue take renewed (Gold, 1989), researchers know little about 20 60. Almost all based small, nonrandom samples cross-sectional retrospective design. Even often-cited conclusions, such increased age, base weak. The present study uses techniques large national panel sampled (NSFH) 19921994 extend knowledge how over time. (proximity, help), describes changed 18 85 whether attributable related changes, parental marital status. data set does contain affection psychological relationship, however provides useful descriptive information dimensions broad range. BACKGROUND LITERATURE Conceptual Frameworks Underlying interpretations assumption hierarchy kinship This standard envisions ties nested circles. inner circle contains closest relationships, who have strongest claims another. second outer rings progressively less demanding attachments. considered members childhood, normative reorganize their circles give children, parents priority (Parsons, 1943). Rossi's (1990) various classes kin norm widely shared. …