Is birth order really important in peer relationship? A grounded theory approach

Abstract

This article seeks to develop a theory about the importance of peer relationship among the oldest of the youngest children who have finished preschool education and already started primary school. In the study, observation was employed to collect data from 22 children. The data were analysed through the grounded theory approach, in which data are dealt with inductively. In the data analysis, written-up observations were processed with open coding, axial coding and selective coding. As a result of the data analysis, we argue that only children are inclined to get approval from their peers to extend their social interest and remain unresponsive; the youngest siblings compete for the teacher’s interest and are inclined to attract attention and remain unresponsive due to acceptance difference; the oldest siblings conceive attracting attention as a way of compensating for loss of family interest.

Keywords

• birth order
• sibling relationships
• adlerian theory
• grounded theory
• peer relationships