This chapter explores how birth order can influence career trajectories and life outcomes, with a focus on findings from Sweden that show firstborns gravitating towards managerial roles, while younger siblings are drawn to creative fields. It also examines cultural differences, highlighting a study from Indonesia that offers a different perspective on these dynamics.
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