siblings

[percival]

I'm currently reading Frank J. Sulloway's (sp?) Born to Rebel.
As an only child, I'd like to ask your opinion of the theories he proposes.

Basically, firstborns are far more conscientious and less open to experience.
They also tend to be more aggressive and extroverted, and somewhat more neurotic.
Firstborns copy their parents/turn to their parents a lot.
Laterborns are gentler, more introverted, and definitely more open to new experiences.

The reason he gives is that each child looks for his/her own family niche. This will be an important influence on his/her personality; the second highest (?) after innate characteristics. Since birth rank is a powerful influence on the type of niche available, it's a good predictor of various personality traits. He even maintains that it's a better predictor than gender!

What do you think about this?

Comments

[piperx.livejournal.com]

How very interesting. Many years ago, I read an article addressing the compatibility of romantic matches based on birth order. For example, younger brothers of sisters tend to be more intuitive and would do well with younger sisters of sisters who tend to be moody and emotional. That type of thing. Argh, I wish I knew where that article was. I think there is a lot to be said for behavior and personality being influenced by birth order. Of course, there are always exceptions.

I fit into the model somewhat in that I am the youngest of three and the most open to new experiences. My brother, the oldest lived at home the longest. When he finally did move out, he bought a house in the same city. I, on the other hand, moved to the other side of the country soon after graduation. My cousin who is the youngest of four, is the same way. I think we're both very open to new experience and adventure.

It's hard to say that any of us are the extroverts of the family. We're all very introverted. I do think my brother looks to my parents the most. Not sure about the neurotic/agressive aspects though.

My husband is the firstborn of many, many siblings, step siblings and half siblings. He is extremely outgoing but very gentle, somewhat conscientious and not at all neurotic. His younger sister is definitely more conscientious so this is one case in which gender wins out over birth order.

I believe it is a statistical fact that there is a higher tendency for people in leadership positions to be firstborn or only children (perfectionists?).

So what is the significance of the title? Is he saying something about rebelliousness?

~Piper