Older siblings are more successful, study says

If there was ever a valid excuse for sibling rivalry, researchers have just discovered it.

First-born sons are 24 per cent more likely to work in top positions, such as CEOs and top executives, than second-born siblings, and 28 per cent more likely than third-born children.

Later-born children, on the other hand, are more likely to be self-employed, according to research by the IZA Institute of Labour Economics.

The paper states that earlier-born men are also more emotionally stable, outgoing and willing to take on responsibility than their younger siblings.

They also found that first-borns are much more likely to be in careers that depend on the “Big Five” personality traits, which are conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, extraversion and openness.

The reasons why aren’t completely straightforward – but it could come down to parenting.

First-borns are more likely to read books and spent time on their homework, and less likely to watch television - and parents are less likely to discuss school work with later-born children. The researchers say the results suggest that parents put less investment and attention into their younger children.

HT New York Post

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