ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the theme of individual differences to examine whether cultural values also affect the quality of sibling relationships. The first cultural perspectives on siblings came from anthropologists' observational studies of families in traditional communities in Asia, Oceania and Africa. More recently, psychologists have also begun to examine sibling processes among ethnic minority groups (primarily in the United States) and a few studies have directly compared the quality of sibling relationships in two or more cultural groups. Sibling caregiving may also establish hierarchies among siblings and expectations of mutual support that endure through the lifespan. Research within ethnic minority groups in the United States suggests that there are similar associations between the quality of sibling relationships and child and family characteristics as in White ethnic majority groups. Ethnic identity and cultural values surrounding the family and the family's experience of discrimination are also important for relationship quality in these groups.
