ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we follow on our discussion of identification in relation to sameness and difference in Chapter 3 to look at the power relations involved in siblings’ sense of connection to or separation from each other as they go about their daily existence. We consider the ways that taken-forgranted, seemingly unimportant, everyday talk, activities and caring have consequences for aspects of identity and relationality. This focus on the social significance of everyday interactions draws out the way that relationships between sisters and brothers are shaped around and shot through with ideas and practices that construct femininity and masculinity, and birth order and age status hierarchies.
