Comparing Sibling Ties in Inter-ethnic and Intra-ethnic Families in Germany

Abstract

This chapter examines the cultural factors that influence the quality of sibling relationships in multi-cultural and mono-cultural families in Germany. We focus on the cultural context in general by considering societal values, like individualism and collectivism, and focus more specifically on family values relating to parenting methods and parental roles. Little is known about sibling relationships in multi-cultural families. Drawing on a theoretical approach regarding the variations in family dynamics in different sociocultural contexts, we expect that—in contrast to mono-cultural families—in multi-cultural families, distinct norms and values and parenting methods affect the family, and consequently affect sibling relationships. To test our hypotheses, we use data taken from Wave 5 of the Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (2012/2013).