Into Practice

Abstract

The reader will see an underlying theme in the chronological way in which this book has reflected the developing complexity of understanding regarding sibling relationships. We began with an understanding of sibling relationships that was based on simplistic polarised conceptions, discourses, if you will, of good and evil. From mythology, legends, and folklore, brothers and sisters are portrayed as archetypes, frequently, but not invariably, aligning along gender lines (sister relationships are warm, nurturing, loyal, supportive; brother relations are rivalrous, competitive, hostile and aggressive). Relationships with siblings are characterised by love (being a primary support in a harsh world where cooperation promotes survival) and hate (rivalrous competition for scarce resources beginning with parental love, affection, and even birthright and later struggling to obtain the means of existence).