Stewart's hypothesis (1992) that adults who were only-children and first-born children are most suited to lead communities in more turbulent times while adults who were later-born children are most suited to lead in more tranquil times was tested by relating the male birth order of elected presidents to Schlesinger's 1986 public purpose and private interest periods. Consistent with Stewart's hypothesis, candidates who were only-children and first-born children tended to win during public purpose phases, which are characterized by the turbulence of greater political commitment, idealism, and broad social change.
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