In many families, there’s a notable phenomenon where the older daughter often takes on the role of the family manager. This dynamic is influenced by several factors, including birth order, parental expectations, and societal norms.
In this article, we’ll delve into this phenomenon with insights from psychological studies to better understand why it occurs and its potential implications.
Birth Order and Responsibility:
Birth order infuences personality and behavior, according to psychological studies, such as those conducted by Alfred Adler and later researchers.
The “birth order effect” suggests that the oldest child in a family typically exhibits more responsible, organized, and leadership-oriented traits. This inclination towards responsibility can contribute to the older daughter naturally assuming the role of family manager.
According to A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality (Leman, 2005), birth order can influence personality traits, with first-born children often displaying more conscientiousness and leadership qualities compared to their younger siblings.
Parental Expectations:
Psychologists have been interested in parental expectations and role assignments. Studies have shown that parents often hold certain expectations based on their children’s birth order, reinforcing the family manager role for the older daughter. For instance, research conducted by Katherine Conger and colleagues (1997) in the journal Child Development found that parents tend to give more responsibility to their first-born children in terms of chores and caregiving.
Role Modeling:
The psychological studies also support concept of role modeling within families . Children learn behavior and responsibility by observing their older siblings and parents. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family (Whiteman et al., 2007) indicated that older siblings often serve as role models for their younger counterparts, which can lead to emulation of their responsible behavior, further establishing the older daughter’s role as the family manager.
Maturity and Experience:
As per studies in developmental psychology, older children typically have more life experience and maturity than their younger siblings. This additional experience contributes to their ability to handle responsibilities effectively. Research published in Child Development (McHale et al., 2001) showed that older siblings often excel in caregiving roles, showcasing their higher levels of maturity and competence.
Gender Roles and Stereotypes:
Psychological research has consistently highlighted the influence of gender roles and stereotypes on family dynamics. A study published in the journal Sex Roles (Eagly & Steffen, 1984) found that society has historically associated women with caregiving and responsibility within the family. This societal expectation may lead the older daughter to conform to these gender roles, reinforcing her role as the family manager.