First is the Worst: An autoethnography exploring the emotional and psychological impacts behind being the oldest daughter
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Colin Whitworth
Abstract
This paper is a retelling of experiences relating to that of the oldest daughter in an autoethnographic format. By combining poetic elements, personal journal entries, narratives, and research, I have been able to further analyze birth order theory. More specifically, I wanted this research to explore deeper into a phenomenon, known as parentification, which is not a common dinner table topic. My research is intended to add to dialogue among oldest daughters who are struggling to find their place in the world outside of their designated familial role. I also touch on the stigmas surrounding other familial positions and how their roles intertwine with the oldest daughter’s role. I bring these points together by presenting research that helps to categorize different traumas and bring them into a broader light to make them more accessible for all those who are interested. Due to the heavy nature of this piece, I included references to a beloved childhood movie as my conclusion because being the oldest daughter is both a heavy burden as well as a beautiful blessing.
Start Date
27-3-2024 2:00 PM
End Date
27-3-2024 3:00 PM
Location
Arts and Sciences 2-51
First is the Worst: An autoethnography exploring the emotional and psychological impacts behind being the oldest daughter
Arts and Sciences 2-51
This paper is a retelling of experiences relating to that of the oldest daughter in an autoethnographic format. By combining poetic elements, personal journal entries, narratives, and research, I have been able to further analyze birth order theory. More specifically, I wanted this research to explore deeper into a phenomenon, known as parentification, which is not a common dinner table topic. My research is intended to add to dialogue among oldest daughters who are struggling to find their place in the world outside of their designated familial role. I also touch on the stigmas surrounding other familial positions and how their roles intertwine with the oldest daughter’s role. I bring these points together by presenting research that helps to categorize different traumas and bring them into a broader light to make them more accessible for all those who are interested. Due to the heavy nature of this piece, I included references to a beloved childhood movie as my conclusion because being the oldest daughter is both a heavy burden as well as a beautiful blessing.