What causes so many people with siblings, especially those from large families,

1. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 10 years ago

   What causes so many people with siblings, especially those from large families, to have an intensely
   
   virulent and ingrained prejudice and animus against only children?
   
   It seems in this society, children with siblings are glorified while children who have no siblings are demonized or worse. According to this society, the multichild family is viewed is the most desirable and ideal family.  In fact, the multichild family is the only viable family choice.  Although there have been studies that show that there is NOTHING WRONG with being an only child and in fact, it is more advantageous to be an only child, there is still the societal animus that being an only child is inherently odd.
   
   

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2. 79

   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   Perhaps it is that they feel sorry for them - being in a large family, I guess, you never feel alone, and always have someone to turn to in crisis.  If a parent dies, or both, you still have each other. If a parent or sibling is ill - you have someone else to take turns with looking after the parent or sibling.
   
   However, only children never have to share their parent with another sibling, as well as many other benefits.
   
   I am part of a very blended family which by it's nature makes me one of 8 girls (step and full siblings) - but I don't have any issue with people who are only children, or who only have the one child, or even plans for only the one. Difference is what makes the world go round.
   
   I think as more and more people struggle with infertility and the cost of treatment for such - only children will no longer be 'odd'. Sometimes, thats all you are destined to have!
   
   I think that with China's one child policy there is a slight issue - and it's not the "only child" thing. It's the disappearance of the "aunty" and "uncle" type people in a person's life.  But, that can be worked around too - I have several Aunties and Uncles I'm not related to!

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   1. 85

      gmwilliamsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I found that many had animus against only children because we had the things & opportunities that they did not have. We onlies had monies for things beyond the necessities. Many wished that they were US.  I and another girl felt this animus.

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3. 60

   TJenkins602posted 10 years ago

   I've never experienced the animus. Even though, I was technically an only child, I was raised around other children. As a matter of fact, I spent more time being babysat with other children than being an only child. So a lot of people probably couldn't tell the difference between me and other children with families.
   
   As a matter of fact, I've had one person tell me that I don't carry that "spoiled" vibe that other only children seem to carry.

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