Sex differences in social networks
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a later point. Current friends may represent current playmates, old playmates from previous social
networks or relationships within a network that have changed.
Social Network Stability
Results on social network stability were contrary to those expected. While girls’ networks
were predominantly stable, a third of groups were unstable. Boys’ cores and groups were all
moderately stable but this slight amount of instability can be explained by external events, such as
boys leaving school. The examination of stability at the dyadic relation level also favoured boys.
Larger networks may thus afford greater overall stability since when boys fall out they can shift their
positive relationships to others within the social network (as is suggested by the sex difference in
the stability of friendships). However, high stability may have implications for boys’ ability to
establish new relationships without the supportive presence of a network.
The lack of stability in girls’ networks is hard to reconcile given suggestions that they
involve higher levels of exclusivity, loyalty and explicit intimacy. It might be the case that these
concerns, while potentially creating greater cohesion, may also increase the likelihood of conflict.
This is consistent with Benenson and Christakos’ (2003) suggestion that girls’ networks are more
fragile than those of boys. Our findings highlight the risk taken by girls in forming smaller and more
intimate social networks such that when there is a falling out, network stability is threatened.
However, the presence of friendships outside of the network allows the opportunity for becoming a
member of a new network should the need arise.
Conclusions and Future Directions
A strength of this research is in its effort to identify how social networks emerge from day to
day interactions of groups of children engaged in social activities on the school playground. This is
just one context in which children form groups, but arguably the most important, where children can
engage in activities and socialise with others relatively freely of adult control. These sites are