Birth Order Versus Student Performance

Abstract

This study primarily focused on investigating how birth order relates to students' academic performance. It's widely recognized that students in different birth positions tend to achieve distinct academic results across various educational levels. The research involved analyzing life history data, including academic achievements, from students in Pakistan to assess the role of birth order. Due to the socioeconomic limitations in Pakistani society, more substantial investments are made in the education of the first-born child, while subsequent siblings often receive fewer resources. The study's findings strongly support the idea that first birth significantly influences academic success. A sample of 400 secondary school students was studied, and Chi-Square (χ2) analysis demonstrated a clear and positive relation between birth order and educational achievements. These results have the potential to impact and change parental behavior regarding the importance of considering birth order beyond the first-born child in their educational support.