My essential question is: “Why is favoritism the most damaging factor in sibling relationships?”

In the article, “Effects of Favoritism of Children: Long-Term Emotional Implications for the Favored Child” by Beth Rush, argues that one of the long-term impacts of favoritism is poor sibling relationships. In this article, Rush discusses some of the ways that favoritism has impacted sibling relationships and the mental health of children. This issue is surprisingly pretty common in our nation as a whole, leaving family disconnected and cut off from one another because of growing up in these conditions.

Favored children may develop a sense of entitlement and become used to getting their way, which can lead to many problems. In Cinderella, the stepsisters feel entitled to everything, including the prince’s attention, because of the favoritism they receive from their mother. As a result, her stepsisters show Cinderella jealousy, competition, and try to make her feel incapable, which proves how sibling rivalry can create tension and unfairness in families.

In the movie Cinderella, favoritism is clear through the stepmother’s treatment of her daughters compared to Cinderella, and this unfairness not only causes jealousy and cruelty but also shows how favoritism can damage sibling relationships. Beyond creating conflict, favoritism also shapes identity: Cinderella’s stepsisters grow up believing they are superior, while Cinderella is constantly devalued, which affects her confidence and sense of worth. This shows that favoritism doesn’t just divide families in the moment—it can also shape how children see themselves and their place in the world long after childhood ends.

Cinderella may have found her happy ending, but in real life, the scars from favoritism don’t always disappear so easily. So in conclusion, recognizing bias in families is the first step to breaking the cycle and building healthier relationships.