Sibling Identity and Relationships

Sibling Identity and Relationships explores the special place that siblings occupy in the lives of children and young people, providing new insights into sibling identity and relationships. Drawing on social constructionist and psychodynamic perspectives, it discusses who constitutes a sibling, emotional connections and separations, conflict and aggression and how siblings construct and conduct their relationship out of the home, at school and in local communities. Shedding light on broader debates about social and psychic divisions in wider society, this book explores the ways that siblings are important for children and young people's social and emotional sense of self in relation to others. Reviewing current literature on sibling relationships as well as proposing alternative theoretical perspectives, Sibling Identity and Relationships will be a valuable resource to academics and students of childhood studies and social work as well as health and social care professionals.

Rosalind Edwards is Professor in Social Policy and Director of the Families & Social Capital ESRC Research Group, London South Bank University, UK. Lucy Hadfield is currently Research Fellow in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University, UK. Helen Lucey is Lecturer in Social Psychology at The Open University, UK. Melanie Mauthner is Lecturer in Social Policy in the Faculty of Social Sciences at The Open University, UK.

1. Introduction  2. Who is a Sister and a Brother?  3. Images and Resources  4. Location and Communities  5. Leisure and Consumption  6. Strategies  7. Same or Different?  8. Conclusion