laterborn

Laterborn is a term used in family studies to describe a child who is born after at least one older sibling. In demographic and psychological literature, laterborn often refers to any child who is not the firstborn, though some studies focus specifically on the second child or other non-firstborn positions. The term is primarily descriptive rather than normative, used to examine whether birth order correlates with certain outcomes.

Research on birth order has explored possible associations with personality, achievement, career paths, and behavior. Findings are mixed and typically indicate small or inconsistent effects. Many perceived differences between laterborn and other children can be explained by confounding factors such as family size, parental resources, socioeconomic status, parental age, and cultural context. As a result, birth order is considered relevant but far from deterministic in predicting individual development.

Possible mechanisms discussed in the literature include how increasing family size may dilute parental time and resources, how siblings provide unique social environments and learning opportunities, and how competitive dynamics within a family can shape coping strategies and social behavior. Cultural norms and family structure also influence how birth order relates to development, with effects varying across societies and over time.

In practice, laterborn individuals exhibit wide variation, and no universal profile applies to all. Birth order is one of many interacting influences on development, and robust conclusions require careful consideration of family context, measurement, and replication across diverse populations.