Sex differences in social networks
Sex differences in the structure and stability of children’s playground social networks and their
overlap with friendship relations
Abstract
Gender segregated peer networks during middle childhood have been highlighted as important for
explaining later sex differences in behaviour, yet few studies have examined the structural
composition of these networks and their implications. This short-term longitudinal study of 119
children (7-8 years) examined the size and internal structure of boys’ and girls’ social networks,
their overlap with friendship relations, and their stability over time. Data collection at the start and
end of the year involved systematic playground observations of pupils’ play networks during team
and non-team activities and measures of friendship from peer nomination interviews. Social
networks were identified by aggregating play network data at each time point. Findings showed that
the size of boy’s play networks on the playground, but not their social networks, varied according to
activity type. Social network cores consisted mainly of friends. Girl’s social networks were more
likely to be composed of friends and boys’ networks contained friends and non-friends. Girls had
more friends outside of the social network than boys. Stability of social network membership and
internal network relations were higher for boys than girls. These patterns have implications for the
nature of social experiences within these network contexts.
Keywords: Social networks; sex differences; friendship; primary school