1. Perception of Sibling Relationships and Birth Order Among Asian American and European American Emerging Adults
- Author
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Wu, Kaidi, Kim, Jacqueline HJ, Nagata, Donna K, and Kim, Stephanie I
- Subjects
Human Society ,Demography ,Good Health and Well Being ,Asian American ,birth order ,immigrant ,qualitative ,sibling ,Sociology ,Family Studies ,Social work - Abstract
Drawing from an ecological systems framework, we qualitatively explored how Confucian-heritage Asian American emerging adults compared with non-Hispanic European American emerging adults on views of sibling relationships and birth order. Thematic analysis of 48 semi-structured interviews revealed positive sibling relationship themes for both ethnocultural groups: mutual support, companionship, and appreciation; comfort from shared burden of negative parental interactions; and pride in one another. Birth-order themes were also similar across the groups. First-borns overall reported a strong pressure to be a role model to later-borns, provide sibling care, assume family responsibilities, and not expect to rely on younger siblings. Despite these similarities, Asian American first-borns were unique in taking comfort in having siblings who shared a less traditional Asian cultural perspective than their parents. They also described additional pressure from being the oldest within an immigrant family.
- Published
- 2018