Birth order

Regarding the last listening activity we did in class, the order in which you are born in
the family seems to shape your personality. I have done some research on the
internet and many experts do not agree on this statement. Scientists say that at least
two other variables should be considered; these are: family size and the
socioeconomic status of the family. For example, large families are generally lower in
socioeconomic status than small families. Hence third born children are not only third
in birth order, but they are also more likely to come from larger, poorer families than
firstborn children. If third borns have a particular trait, it may be due to birth order, or
it may be due to family size, or to any number of other variables. Consequently,
there are a large number of published studies on birth order that vary widely in
quality and are inconsistent in their conclusions. Therefore, we cannot say that birth
order will have such a tremendous effect on shaping our personality.

Regardless of this, there are some characteristic traits that could be applied to each
birth order:

* Characteristic traits of the oldest sibling: The oldest sibling is the most
independent and also the most responsible of the group. They are natural born
leaders and like to be in control. They strive for perfection, and thrive on approval of
authority figures, like for example, their parents. They tend to do well in school, their
careers, and life in general. The oldest child is also the most likely to be the most
successful of the bunch, and might make more money as an adult than other
siblings. The first born might end up in an occupational area such as engineering,
architecture, or accounting.

Famous first borns include: Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, J. K. Rowling, and Sylvester
Stallone.

* On the other hand, the middle child, who feels deprived of attention and worries
about being over-looked, tends to be more rebellious as a youngster. But as an
adult, they become the compromisers of the world and enjoy pleasing others. They
enjoy working in groups and love feeling like they belong. They are good at making
friends and getting along with others. They are also laid back, patient and loud.
These children tend to flock to occupations that are more people oriented than their
older siblings.

Famous middle borns include: Bill Gates, Richard Nixon, Cindy Crawford, Donald
Trump and Julia Roberts.

* Finally, the youngest child generally is the most artistic of the group. They are
also most likely to be the class clown, since they will do just about anything for
attention, and usually are characterized as the show-off of the family. But, at the
same time, they are very affectionate and caring.

Famous last borns include: Jim Carrey, Billy Crystal, Cameron Diaz and Danny
deVito.

Tomorrow we will begin the lesson with a discussion about it. Go thinking on your
comments:

-Which is your birth position? Do you agree with the description given in this
document?

-Nothing is said here about only children. Do you think it is good to be an only
child? What personality traits do you think they share?