The Meaning of Siblinghood in Older Age: The Example of Life Crisis Cover Image

Význam sourozenectví v pozdním věku: příklad krizových událostí
The Meaning of Siblinghood in Older Age: The Example of Life Crisis

Author(s): Michaela Kvapilová Bartošová
Subject(s): Family and social welfare, Gerontology
Published by: Sociologický ústav - Slovenská akadémia vied
Keywords: Siblings in late adulthood; life crisis; life transition; sibling relationship;

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on the meanings that social actors attach to siblinghood in older age and the way of support between siblings in the period of life crisis or transitions (divorce, widowhood, illness). It is based on an analysis of data collected in Czechia in 2017–2019 from qualitative interviews and focus groups with participants aged 50+. The analysis highlights the symbolic level of siblinghood in old age and the gradual deepening of the relationship between siblings. The siblings provide each other mainly psychological support, the life transition or event do not significantly change their relationship. Rapprochement between them in old age is rather due to a progression in life course and a change in lifestyle. Siblings have more time for each other, they share common memories and the general experience of aging.

  • Issue Year: 54/2022
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 5-25
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Czech