MACMILLAN Brothers and Sisters: Sibling Relationships Across the Life Course

This edited volume presents unique insights on sibling relationships in adulthood in the early 21st century, focusing on three themes: relations beyond childhood and school years; factors shaping social support provision between siblings; and changes in family life and how these impact sibling relations. Comprised of chapters from distinguished international family scholars, this book examines sibling dynamics across age, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, geography, and social environments. It answers important questions such as, to what extent do siblings support each other at different stages of the life cycle? How do cultural practices and family obligations impact on sibling support? How does sibling support differ when looking at surrogates, migrant families, polygamous families, and siblings with disabilities? These contributions expand and contribute greatly to the field of sibling studies and will be of interest to all students and scholars studying and researching family relationships. Review 'This fascinating collection of chapters by leading international scholars shows how our understanding of sibling relationships has expanded in recent years. This book will be an indispensable resource for students of family relationships.' Michael Lamb, University of Cambridge, UK ‘This book brings together recent research on siblings from adolescence into old age. I strongly recommend it to all family scholars and clinicians.’ Judith Dunn, Kings College, London, UK From the Back Cover This edited volume presents unique insights on sibling relationships in adulthood in the early 21st century, focusing on three themes: relations beyond childhood and school years; factors shaping social support provision between siblings; and changes in family life and how these impact sibling relations. Comprised of chapters from distinguished international family scholars, this book examines sibling dynamics across age, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, geography, and social environments. It answers important questions such as, to what extent do siblings support each other at different stages of the life cycle? How do cultural practices and family obligations impact on sibling support? How does sibling support differ when looking at surrogates, migrant families, polygamous families, and siblings with disabilities? These contributions expand and contribute greatly to the field of sibling studies and will be of interest to all students and scholars studying and researching family relationships. About the Author Ann Buchanan is Emeritus Professor at the Department of Social Policy and Social Intervention, Supernumerary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, and previously Director of the Centre for Research into Parenting and Children. Anna Rotkirch is Research Professor and Director of the Population Research Institute, Väestöliitto, Finland. As a sociologist she has specialized in comparative research on families in Europe. Current research interests include fertility, grandparenting, and friendship. She is currently undertaking a study on Population in Finland.