I wanted to be an Olsen twin: exploring the sister-sister relationships through a master narrative framework.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the nuanced dynamics of sister-sister relationships and their impact on personal identity development during emerging adulthood. Using in-depth interviews with 15 participants and a thematic analysis approach, the research investigates how familial labels, societal expectations, and cultural ideals shape the lived experience of sisterhood. Grounded in the Master Narrative Framework, the study examines how dominant cultural narratives, such as the portrayal of sisters as naturally close, supportive, and emotionally attuned, often conflict with participants' real-life experiences. A central focus of the analysis is the role of familial labeling, wherein participants were assigned roles such as “the smart one,” “the rebel,” or “the sensitive one.” These labels, often imposed during childhood and reinforced through family dynamics, had lasting effects on self-concept, sibling closeness, and emotional wellbeing. Themes of comparative identity, bonding, representation, and evolving roles revealed how sisters internalize or resist these labels, and how they navigate expectations of closeness and care across developmental transitions. The findings underscore that sister relationships are not inherently harmonious but are complex, emotionally charged, and deeply embedded in broader societal narratives. By centering these personal stories, this study contributes to a more layered understanding of sisterhood, one that moves beyond idealized notions to highlight the interplay of cultural scripts, family dynamics, and personal identity.