ERIC Number: EJ854641
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Sep
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0273-2297
EISSN: N/A
Sex Segregation in Friendships and Normative Contexts across the Life Span
Mehta, Clare M.; Strough, JoNell
Developmental Review, v29 n3 p201-220 Sep 2009
Sex segregation (the separation of boys and girls into same-sex groups in their friendships and casual encounters; [Thorne, B., & Luria, Z. (1986). Sexuality and gender in children's daily worlds. "Social Problems, 33", 176-190]), has typically been viewed as a childhood phenomenon. In the present paper, we review research that suggests the phenomenon of sex segregation persists across the life span. We draw from a social-constructionist model to synthesize literature documenting sex segregation in friendships and aspects of individuals' socio-cultural contexts in childhood, adolescence, and early and later adulthood. We consider developmental continuities in mechanisms that may be associated with sex segregation, including behavioral compatibility, communication styles, third-party resistance to other-sex relationships, and institutional barriers to other-sex relationships. We discuss how these factors may, through a reciprocal process, contribute to and result from sex segregation. Finally, we offer recommendations for future research.
Descriptors: Social Problems, Friendship, Children, Sexuality, Gender Differences, Social Attitudes, Gender Issues, Social Influences, Literature Reviews, Cultural Influences, Adolescents, Adults, Age Differences, Interpersonal Communication, Resistance (Psychology), Interpersonal Relationship, Environmental Influences
Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A