This chapter delves into how siblings, particularly in relation to gender, shape personal choices and identity. It examines the differing influences of having brothers versus sisters on women's life trajectories, including career and family decisions, while also addressing misconceptions about birth order and personality.
We all know the cliches about older siblings being responsible, younger ones creative, and middle children being peacemakers. But is there any evidence our position in the family affects our personality? In this episode from March 2024, Madeleine Finlay meets Dr Julia Rohrer, a personality psychologist at the University of Leipzig, to unpick the science behind birth order. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod