An Overview of the Research on Siblings

The family is an entity highly valued in mainly collectivist cultures. In its structure, it houses several systems within which the fraternal system is the most durable in people’s lives. In addition, being or having a brother or sister means congeniality and loyalty as well as hostility, a unique combination that gives this relationship its unique character. The study of the siblings in Mexico has been superficial and limited. Although the family is important, the emphasis has generally been placed on parents and their marital or parental roles. On the other hand, the evolution of this society outlined the relevance of the fraternal dyad while the parents oversaw providing. Therefore, this chapter will describe the way in which the family and the siblings have been transforming.