The Golden Child

Brother and sister duo Stephen and Anita Mangan explore some of the stereotypes and myths around sibling relationships, as they investigate the role of these lifelong bonds throughout our lives, with the help of psychotherapist Philippa Perry.

Narratives around the favoured firstborn child date back to biblical times, but there are plenty more examples from recent history, and oldest sons, in particular have long been associated with responsibility and duty. As the oldest of three Stephen might like to think of himself as the golden child, but his younger sister Anita questions whether bigger really is better? They hear how ideas around birth order effects on personality and character became popular in Victorian times, while more recent research shows birth order has almost no effect on how we turn out. However Stephen is excited to discover oldest children are ever so slightly more intelligent, and the pair learn this might be down to more than just extra parental attention.

But there are some downsides to being the oldest, as Anita reveals she was stricter with her own first child, then more relaxed with the second. Could such parental expectations be a burden?

Finally, the pair explore the role of rivalry in sibling relationships, which some psychologists say can serve an important role in our development, as healthy competition spurs siblings on to be the best versions of themselves.

Presenters: Stephen Mangan, Anita Mangan
Producer: Marijke Peters
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem
A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4