Communicate to the Reader? Summarize

¶ … communicate to the reader? Summarize the main point(s) of the reading and the author's key arguments.

The point of the reading is that siblings shape each other more so than the parents. Here are the main points in the reading that are worth mentioning. Through the years, scientists have focused on birth order, but not how each gender impacts each other as one grows up to become an adult. All over the world this is becoming a growing phenomenon. In fact, what they have discovered so far is that fights that occur during childhood are actually considered a good thing because it teaches an individual to become competitive when older. Each child spends at least 33% with their brothers and sisters by the time they are eleven years old. For those that are adolescents, they spend at least 10 hours with their siblings. However, with those that are Mexican-American this becomes 17 hours (Kluger, 2006).

In regards to conflict, this happens at least 3.5 times within any given hour, and is considered quite common. These pertains to those that are age 3-7; however, those that are 2-4, this is at least 10 times more likely to occur. In essence, the younger the sibling, more rivalry occurs (Kluger, 2006). Another issue is that of favortism. This was the case with at mothers (65%) as well as with fathers (70%). However, a person does not have to become a favorite in order to become the best as an adult through the chosen career. Those that are not the favorite actually do better when on their own (Kluger, 2006).

Not only that, but also siblings are not considered the best role model because they are likely to make poor choices; however, a person can learn from their mistakes, and choose not to do them while growing up. In regards to those that are siblings that are of the same gender, this can determine whom an individul marries; on the other hand, this is not always the case when it comes to the opposite sex. Furthermore, bonds become stronger between siblings as they grow older together. Researchers have also discussed how a person becomes gay or stays single because of the genetic factor involved, but not enough hard evidence is available with this particular issue (Kluger, 2006).

2)

What is the theoretical value of the reading? That is, how does the reading add to the understanding of human behavior in the social environment? What is offered that is unique, interesting, and/or important?

In regards to the theoretical value of the reading, one learns much from it. For example, anyone understanding it learns that human behavior is shaped by those within the nuclear family unit. This occurs from those that are not only siblings, but also of the parents. These shape how a person will behave or choose a career in their future. The social environment shapes the male or female to become a productive citizen because of all the conflict that takes place regularly. What one found interesting is that the conflicts are higher when a person is preschooler, and this become less when one feels older, such as a 5-10 years of age (Kluger, 2006). Another fact is that men show favoritism at least 5% more than women when it comes to parenting (Kluger, 2006). This impacts how a person does when they are older on whether or not any of their parents favored them because of the opportunity to become competitive and not to have the extra unnecessary attention over the years (Kluger, 2006).

3)

How is the reading related to other theories, concepts, themes, and topics covered in HSBE (503/505)?

The reading relates to all the different psychological theories that are available for one to study. For example, a person can learn about Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg and Abraham Maslow. This helps someone to understand that these are crucial times in children's lives as they grow up and become adults. They need to know that they are nurtured and loved in order to make a difference in society when each of them becomes older (Hartshorne, 2010). Furthermore, the birth order of those that are the first born are considered independent and over protective of their siblings; whereas, the middle child is considered the person who is creative (Kluger, The power of birth order, 2007). The baby is the one who gets anything and everything he or she wants because of becoming the last born in the family (Child Development Info, 2010).

4)

Lastly, what is your overall evaluation of the reading? What are its strengths and weaknesses in terms of helping social work practitioners better understand human behavior and the social environment?

My overall evaluation of the reading was that it was highly educational. I had no idea that siblings impacted each other as much as I thought until reading this article. By looking at the evidence presented, one can easily decipher that this is scholarly, and more investigation is needed in order to find out the effects of sibling rivalry, or any other aspect of this particular topic. I highly recommend it for future use in those chosen field, especially for that of social work.