Unlike earlier studies which focused almost exclusively on men, we documented the same pattern of results among women. Whiskers denote 95% confidence intervals. This rules out the possibility that our results are due to age differences between the groups. The underlying statistical model accounts for birth year differences.
On the other hand, the sex of younger siblings plays little to no role.ĭata cover men born in the Netherlands between 19. The sex of older siblings wields a considerable influence over same-sex union formation.
The chart below illustrates some of our findings, showing the number of men who entered same-sex unions among those with up to three siblings. Men who are the youngest sibling are more likely to enter a same-sex union than men who are the oldest sibling, and the differences grow larger as the total number of siblings increases.įor example, the probability of a man entering a same-sex union is 41% greater if he has three older brothers, as opposed to three older sisters, and 80% greater than if he has three younger brothers. The birth order and total number of siblings matter too. Specifically, men with one older brother are 12% more likely to enter a same-sex union than men with one older sister, and 21% more likely than men with just one younger brother or sister. Our results show clear evidence of a fraternal birth order effect on homosexuality. In the Netherlands, registered same-sex partnerships have been recognised since 1998, and same-sex marriage since 2001. We used this information as a proxy for homosexuality. While the data did not contain direct measures of individuals’ sexual orientation, they did indicate whether they ever entered a same-sex marriage or registered partnership. This time, we used it to provide a robust test of the fraternal birth order effect. In previous studies we used this dataset to examine whether the gender of a married couple’s children affected the stability of their union, and to compare the academic performance of children raised by same- and different-sex couples. These data allowed us to follow the life trajectories of more than nine million people born between 19. Our research used unique data from Dutch population registers. Indeed, no study of a representative population sample has supported its existence – until now. However, previous research documenting the fraternal birth order effect has relied on small and selective participant samples, which has led some scholars to question the authenticity of the phenomenon. These maternal antibodies accumulate over successive pregnancies with male foetuses, which means men with more older brothers are more likely to experience same-sex sexual attraction. The proteins enter the mother’s bloodstream and trigger the production of antibodies that influence the sexual development of subsequent children. This effect has been attributed to a mother’s immune reaction to proteins produced by a male foetus. This longstanding hypothesis proposes men’s propensity for homosexuality increases with the number of older biological brothers they have. The “fraternal birth order effect” is one of the most well-documented patterns supporting a biological origin of human sexual orientation. These studies have substantial implications for public opinion and debate, and subsequently the treatment of LGBTIQ+ people.įor example, we know people who view sexual orientation as a product of biological factors (such as hormones or genetics) are more likely to support sexual minorities and their civil rights, compared to those who view it as a product of social factors or individual choice.
University of Queensland provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.Ī growing body of research is attempting to shed light on why some people experience same-sex sexual attraction and others don’t. University of Melbourne provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU. Jan Kabatek receives funding from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course.Ĭhristine Ablaza does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourneįrancisco Perales received funding from the Australian Research Council as part of its Discovery Early Career Researcher Award scheme for a project titled 'Sexual Orientation and Life Chances in Contemporary Australia'. Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland Associate Professor, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland