Race and Sex as Factors in Children's Sociometric Ratings and Friendship Choices

Authors: Graham, James A.; Cohen, Robert

Source: Social Development, Volume 6, Number 3, November 1997 , pp. 355-372(18)

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Abstract:

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the association of race and sex to children's peer relationships by assessing: a) the association of both race and sex; b) multiple measures of peer relationships (sociometric ratings and friendships); and c) an entire elementary school (Grades 1 to 6) with nearly an even number of African-American to European-American children in each class. Regardless of age, race, or sex, and for both relationship measures, children showed a greater bias favoring same-sex peers than same-race peers. Although older African-American children had more same-race than cross-race mutual friends, African-American children were more accepting of European-American children than the reverse. Despite some same-race preferences, cross-race evaluations were generally quite positive on both measures. The differential impact of sex and race as considerations for peer evaluations is discussed.

Keywords: Peer relations; peer evaluations; race effects; friendships

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-9507.00043

Affiliations: 1: University of Memphis

Publication date: 1997-11-01