Does birth order matter? Please compose a list of 5 characteristics that are com
ID: 3495706 • Letter: D
Question
Does birth order matter?
Please compose a list of 5 characteristics that are common to those in your birth order position (i.e., first child, middle children, youngest child, only child).
Next, Please read the following article:
“How Birth Order Affects Your Personality” by Joshua Hartshorne. (January 11, 2010). Scientific American. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=ruled-by-birth-order.
Please write a one- to two-paragraph response to the following:
Did your thinking about the influence of birth order on personality change after reading this article? Why or why not?
Explanation / Answer
Alfred Adler was one of the pioneers to study Birth order. He believed that it does have an indelible effect on one's personality. If we consider personality as explained by Allport it is an organisation that determines a unique thought and behavior adjusting to one;s environment . Personality is influenced by a number of factors both biological and psychosocial. Within the social factors, Family (structure, atmorsphere,relationships and parenting) is crucial to one's upbringing. The atmosphere of the first born is very different from that of the last born or even the only child. This holds true for each birth order, thus it does matter. While birth order may not be considered to be binding, it has been found to show quite a number of recurring characteristics associated with each birth order. However this does not mean that we can stereotype each birth order cause personality by definition holds the word "unique". It is the interaction of nature and nurture that leads to a blended integrated personality.
"How Birth Order Affects Your Personality" is a reflection of the ongoing debate since years. My thinking hasn't changed much as the article speaks exactly what my mind seems to state. While birth order definitely does have an impact, the details of its impact is a little difficult to trace. While we consider the Family as a unit, we realise that every family is different to their own children. It is pretty much influenced by one's perception of the family and more importantly one's experiences. Cultures that consist of huge families (having a number of children) may vary from cultures promoting a smaller family and that by itself makes a difference. Resources and parental learning definitely influence the atmosphere within the family. In poorer families often the elder sibling helps out in running the family which inculcates responsibility and leadership while the younger child maybe able to and are encouraged to explore more just as a result of more income as a result of the working elder sibling. However that does not mean that all the younger siblings and older siblings HAVE to be the same. Self help books are good but ofcourse one should'nt be rigidly bound to whats the norm- very often its the exceptions that suffer as a result of our inflexibility. As the article says our position in the family effects who we become. Its important to note that it doesnt determine who we become but rather it effects. As a younger child im suppose to the risk taking selfish child, however I am far from that. I believe its the interaction of both nature and nurture that results in the people we become. And ofcourse nurture is like an ocean, birth order, a connecting stream.
Birth order characteristics First Child Middle Child Youngest child Only Child Twins High self esteem Insecure Social, risk takers Often comfortable being loners More Confident Leader Mediator Delightful friend Self dependent Usually seek company Responsible Flexibility in ideas If pampered, Dependent Sometimes over protected Social Jealous Diplomacy Selfish Friendly Attached to the other twin Acheivement Oriented Even tempered Seeking control Irresponsible (if spoiled) Feel lonely quite easilyRelated Questions
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