¶ … child can be influenced by many factors. Some of these include: race, social class and family composition. Each of these factors can directly affect how the child will grow into society and fill their role. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate how these factors may affect a child. Although race and social class are highly important factors, this review will focus on the outcome of a child based on family composition.
Family composition includes many factors in it of itself. The number of children in a family, the birth order of the child in question, and the range of ages of the children in the family are all variables to be taken into consideration. Jung was one of the first to study birth order and its effects on a child. According to Adler, "Carl Jung, was one of the first theorists to suggest that birth order influences personality. He argued that birth order can leave an indelible impression on an individual's style of life, which is one's habitual way...
According to Adler, firstborns are "dethroned" when a second child comes along, and this may have a lasting influence on them. Younger and only children may be pampered and spoiled, which can also affect their later personalities" (Adler, 1964). In most families with 3 or more children, the "middle child syndrome" is typically apparent in one child who feels they are not receiving enough attention from the parent(s) or guardian. This theory still holds merit today, and can be seen within families with multiple children all over the world.
As previously mentioned, the number of children in a family can also contribute to a child's outcome. Children from larger families tend to be well-adjusted, because they have grown up dealing with all types of personalities from early ages. Having more siblings can also cause high rates of competitiveness, this can either hurt or help the child later in life. A positive aspect is…
