The Pew Research Center says that an increase in divorce and babies born out of wedlock are two major factors contributing to the growth of step relatives in a family. Step families were discovered across a broad spectrum of ethnic cultures and economic diversity, but over half (52%) of younger adults below the age of thirty, reported that they have at least one step relative in their family. Adults questioned in the telephone interview also said that they felt more obligation towards helping biological siblings than step-siblings.
Biological sibling verses half or step-sibling
The report, "A Portrait of Stepfamilies," by Kim Parker, released on Jan. 13, 2011 at Pewsocialtrends.org, surveyed 2,691 people ages 18 and older living in the continental United States. One of the questions posed in the interview asked, "Suppose someone you know had a serious problem and needed either financial help or caregiving. How obligated would you feel to provide assistance if that person were your grown-child versus your grown step-child, or sibling versus step/half sibling?" Selectable answers included, very obligated, somewhat obligated, not too obligated or not at all obligated.
The responses given to the question says Parker, shows that "Among adults who have both a grown biological child and a grown stepchild, the biological child exerts a stronger pull." Results revealed that 78% of parents felt very obligated to help a grown biological child versus 62% for a stepchild. In the case of siblings, 64% of siblings felt very obligated to help a biological sibling as opposed to just 42% for step/half siblings. This was only a few percent higher than an adult's obligation to help a friend (39%).
Step families and blended families are increasing
According to The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center at Healthymarriageinfo.org, the number of step families in the US is on the rise. By 1990 they say, 20% of married-couple households with children, contained at least one child under the age of 18. It is also estimated that 10% -20% of US children actually reside in step families and these children, says the center, "Tend to have more struggles with behavior problems, emotional well-being, and academic achievement."
Step-families or blended families may be on the rise, but they also remain the most fragile of all family relationships. Biological siblings share a common bond years in the making, step-siblings however are often forced together by marriage and expected to achieve that bond in a relatively short period of time.
In, "A Blended Family Takes Preparation and Foresight, Experts Say," Christie Hartman, PhD, told Suite101.com that "Biological families share genes and many years together," but in step families she adds, "It takes time to get used to outsiders." The Pew Research Center report does appear to indicate that in some cases, siblings may never get used to outsiders, nor truly welcome a half or step-sibling, as one of their own.
Note: All sources accessed Jan 22, 2011.
Elizabeth Batt - Elizabeth Batt is a former large animal nurse, certified NREMT, lover of equines and conservationist.
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