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Article
Reciprocity and Social Capital in Sibling Relationships of People with Disabilities
All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications
  • John Kramer, University of Massachusetts Boston
  • Allison Hall, University of Massachusetts Boston
  • Tamar Heller, University of Illinois at Chicago
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2013
Abstract

Sibling relationships are some of the longest-lasting relationships people experience, providing ample opportunities to build connections across the lifespan. For siblings and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), these connections take on an increased significance as their families age and parents can no longer provide care. This paper presents findings from a qualitative study that addresses the question, “How do siblings support each other after parents no longer can provide care to the person with I/DD?” Findings in this study suggest that siblings with and without disabilities experience reciprocity as a transitive exchange, which occurs through the creation of social capital in their families and community, and that nondisabled siblings mobilize their social capital to provide support to their sibling after parents pass away. Implications for future research as well as policy and practice will be discussed.

Comments

Author version of article that appeared in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

  • John Kramer, Allison Hall, and Tamar Heller (2013) "Reciprocity and Social Capital in Sibling Relationships of People With Disabilities." Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: December 2013, Vol. 51, No. 6, pp. 482-495. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-51.6.482
Community Engaged/Serving
No, this is not community-engaged.
Publisher
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Citation Information
John Kramer, Allison Hall and Tamar Heller. "Reciprocity and Social Capital in Sibling Relationships of People with Disabilities" (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/allison-hall/13/