Immigrant Sibling Relationship Quality

• In Event: 50261 - Family Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 6: Migration & Immigrant Families

Abstract

This paper investigates the quality of sibling relationships within immigrant families, drawing on existing literature that highlights the ambivalence of sibling ties, the study focuses on the unique experiences of Somali, Mexican, and Iraqi immigrant siblings in Columbus, OH. Through qualitative interviews with 15-20 sibling pairs aged 18-30, the research aims to understand how responsibilities related to integration influence the closeness and conflict within sibling bonds. This paper takes special consideration to the role of birth order and gender in shaping both the responsibilities of children within the immigrant family and the quality of sibling bonds. Preliminary findings suggest birth order and gender expectations task brothers to take on more financial and legal responsibilities, and sisters more caretaking and household responsibilities within their family. While sisters frequently express frustration with these gendered divisions of labor, brothers are more likely to accept and justify them. These differing perspectives contribute to underlying tensions, revealing how birth order, gender norms, and family obligations intersect to shape sibling bonds. This study sheds light on the complexities of sibling relationships within immigrant families, highlighting the ways dependence on immigrant children during the integration process influences immigrant sibling relationship quality.

Author

• Huda Jabbar, The Ohio State University