Peer relationships

Abstract

This chapter examines how adolescents' peer relations are contextualized within cultural norms and values. Across cultures, differences in demography, time use, and activity settings are identified as contributors to the varying patterns observed in adolescent social networks, friendships, and romantic relationships. This chapter also reviews status hierarchies related to peer acceptance and rejection, popularity, and bullying in different cultures and discusses the contributions of peers to adolescents' academic success and engagement in deviant behaviors. We conclude with a recommendation to conduct more research on peer relationships outside of North America, especially focusing on time use and peer activities, cultural norms and values, neurological development and the impact of these on adolescent social competence and risk-taking behavior.