Fratrias e relações entre irmãs/os ao longo da vida: uma perspetiva sociológica

Andreia Barbas; Sílvia Portugal

doi:10.20336/rbs.755

Authors

Andreia Barbas Universidade de Coimbra https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5458-2761
Sílvia Portugal Universidade de Coimbra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7044-7946

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20336/rbs.755

Keywords:

brothers and sisters, siblings, family, family relationships

Abstract

Relationships between siblings only recently started to receive attention in Sociology, when compared with other dimensions of the family phenomenon that are already extensively studied. This article intends to be a contribution to counteract this trend and to show how this subject is worthy of a close sociological approach. The work is based on qualitative research composed of interviews, based on life history, with 32 subjects comprising siblings in nuclear families. In this study, a longitudinal perspective was adopted, spanning various stages of life (childhood, youth, and adulthood), which allowed to demonstrate the dynamism of these relationships throughout their life cycle, and their manifestation in adulthood. The article aims to answer two questions: a) what does it mean to be a sibling? b) how are siblings’ relationships characterized? The relations between siblings proved to be plural and complex, showing the relevance of five dimensions for their analysis: biological, normative, affective, statutory, and comparative. Based on subjects' narratives, it was possible to identify binding, companionship, and convenant relationships. The discussion raised in this article aims to provide elements and analytical tools with heuristic value for the analysis of this object.

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Author Biographies

Andreia Barbas, Universidade de Coimbra

Mestre e estudante de doutoramento em Sociologia.

Sílvia Portugal, Universidade de Coimbra

Doutorada em Sociologia, Professora Auxiliar da Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra e Investigadora do Centro de Estudos Sociais no Núcleo de Estudos sobre Políticas Sociais, Trabalho e Desigualdades (POSTRADE).

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