Comments on: Birth Order

By: PurpleSlog

PurpleSlog — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Here was the book I read initially about birth order:

http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Order-Book-Why-You/dp/080075977X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195398374&sr=8-1

I loved. It is about 6 feet away from as I type this.

I think this is the article that was anti-birth order:

http://econlog.econlib.org/archives/2006/09/the_birth_order.html

It is less comprehensive then I remember. It concentrates on 1st borns as high-achievers.

By: David Hallowell

David Hallowell — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

PurpleSlog: There is actually a significant body of evidence for a birth order effect in certain species. But, it remains highly controversial in primates. Unfortunately, many of the studies are fundamentally flawed. If you happen to find the article you are referencing, please post it!

By: PurpleSlog

PurpleSlog — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

My understanding was that birth order stuff was disproved by statistical analysis by economists a few years back. I can't find the link though.

By: David Hallowell

David Hallowell — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Dan: I disagree with your evolutionary hypothesis. I'm going to post a full response to my blog shortly. – DMH

By: David Hallowell

David Hallowell — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Wikipedia actually has a decent review of this topic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_order

By: Dan tdaxp

Dan tdaxp — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This certainly is an interesting area!

David, I replied over at your post:

http://dmhallowell.blogspot.com/2007/11/evolution-of-rainbows.html

By: ElamBend

ElamBend — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'd like to see CatholicGauze's comments.

By: Steve French

Steve French — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Richard Posner, in his excellent book, Sex and Reason, had a very good explanation for homosexuality being good for societies, IIRC he explained it as more of a cultural caretaker role.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

belated comment, but thanks for the link, Dan.

By: Dan tdaxp

Dan tdaxp — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Steve,

Interesting, through I'm not aware of evidence that homosexuals actually make better caretakers. My speculation was that they were less likely to be distracted by caretaking in general, which is on the opposite end of idle thoughts.

Sean,

No prob! Thanks for the post!