The role of being a parent is mostly attributed to a mother and a father in terms of responsibilities. However, in different cultures, the responsibility of being a parent can be given to different family members, depending on... [ view full abstract ]
The role of being a parent is mostly attributed to a mother and a father in terms of responsibilities. However, in different cultures, the responsibility of being a parent can be given to different family members, depending on sociocultural and economic conditions. In developed societies this responsibility is shared between elder parents, professional people and institutions. In less developed or developing societies, this responsibility is attached to elder sisters or brothers. Among elder sisters and brothers, this is mostly expected from sisters.
This study investigates older sibling parenting, appearing in Turkey as a result of immigration from villages to cities. Turkey is both a developing country and a synthesis of west and east owing to its geographical location. Following the economic and technological developments in recent years and internal and external migration factors, important changes have been observed in the family structure in Turkey. This study is important because it reveals how parenting responsibilities and roles are transferred to older siblings in line with the changing society and family structure in Turkey. In this manner, it is proposed that the study will contribute into related literature about family relationships. In this present research, the responsibilities that older siblings carry in daily life (care, observation, academic support etc.), the time that they spend with their younger siblings and their feelings towards these responsibilities are investigated.
Qualitative research methods were used in this research. Children between the age of 7 and 8 who migrated from villages to cities with low socio-economic level participated in the study. The participants were six girls and six boys who had younger siblings. The data collected were analysed through content analysis. It is ongoing now. The results will be discussed in line with the findings in the related literature.
