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GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Family relations
Source: First Post
Context: A recent study proves that Sibling Rivalry is Good for Children
Sibling relationships offer a blend of camaraderie and competition, shaping identity and social skills while providing companionship and support. Celebrations like National Siblings Day in the U.S., Brothers and Sisters Day in Europe, and Raksha Bandhan in India highlight the importance of cherishing these bonds.
Fighting among siblings is not just inevitable, it is educational. How?
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Development of Conflict Resolution Skills | Sibling fights often serve as a training ground for conflict resolution. Children learn negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving skills by resolving disputes with their siblings. |
| For example, two siblings arguing over sharing toys might learn to negotiate and find a compromise where they take turns playing with the toys. | |
| Understanding of Different Perspectives | Sibling conflicts provide opportunities for children to understand different viewpoints and empathize with others |
| For instance, if siblings disagree over which TV show to watch, they learn to consider each other’s preferences and compromise, enhancing their empathy and understanding. | |
| Assertion of Personal Boundaries | Sibling fights help children establish and assert personal boundaries. Through disagreements, they learn to communicate their needs and preferences assertively, fostering independence and self-confidence. |
| For example, if siblings argue over borrowing clothes, they learn to respect each other’s belongings and set boundaries. | |
| Preparation for Real-world Challenges | Dealing with conflicts among siblings prepares children for challenges they may encounter in other relationships and social settings. By navigating disagreements with siblings, children develop skills to handle conflicts with peers, colleagues, and friends in the future. |
| For instance, resolving disputes over chores with siblings can teach children how to negotiate and collaborate in group projects at school or work. | |
| Cultivation of Resilience | Sibling conflicts teach children to cope with adversity and bounce back from disagreements. Through conflicts, they learn to manage emotions, adapt to changing situations, and maintain relationships despite disagreements, fostering resilience. |
| For example, siblings who argue over sharing snacks may learn to forgive and forget, strengthening their bond and resilience. |
Sibling rivalry arises from competition for parental attention, resources, and status. It can stem from perceived inequalities or differences in treatment. While it may lessen with age, it can persist into adulthood, albeit in different forms such as jealousy or comparison.
Views of Thinkers:
| Thinker | Perspective |
| Confucius | Emphasized the importance of family harmony and filial piety, considering sibling relationships as foundational for societal harmony |
| Mahatma Gandhi | Advocated for strong family bonds, including sibling relationships, as a source of support and solidarity |
| Rabindranath Tagore | Highlighted the role of siblings in shaping one’s identity and values: Bonds formed in childhood have a lasting impact on an individual’s character and worldview. |
| Sigmund Freud | Acknowledged the complex dynamics of sibling relationships: Rivalry and affection playing crucial roles in shaping behaviour. |
| Jean Piaget | Noted that sibling interactions contribute to cognitive development, as children learn social skills, perspective-taking, and problem-solving through their interactions and conflicts with siblings. |
| Margaret Mead | Recognized siblings as influential socializing agents, shaping attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, and contributing to the transmission of cultural norms and values within a family and society. |
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