School friendship segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2006
United States

Definition

School friendship segregation refers to the tendency for students to form friendships primarily within their own racial, ethnic, or cultural groups. This can lead to social isolation and limited cross-cultural interaction among students, ultimately reinforcing stereotypes and prejudice.

There are several factors that contribute to school friendship segregation. One factor is socialization, where students often feel more comfortable and secure in familiar social groups that share similar backgrounds and experiences. Peer pressure and the existence of cliques can also play a role, as students may fear rejection or exclusion if they try to befriend those outside of their own group.

The consequences of school friendship segregation can be detrimental, both for individuals and for society as a whole. For students, it can lead to a lack of exposure to diversity, limiting their understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. This can perpetuate stereotypes, prejudice, and intolerance. It can also lead to lower academic achievement and increased social isolation.

Addressing school friendship segregation requires a multi-faceted approach. Schools should promote diversity and inclusivity through curriculum content and extracurricular activities that celebrate different cultures and encourage cross-cultural interaction. Creating opportunities for students to interact with peers from different backgrounds, such as through multicultural clubs or buddy programs, can also be effective. Additionally, fostering an inclusive and accepting school climate, where students feel valued and respected regardless of their background, can help break down barriers and promote friendship and integration across diverse groups.

Related segregation forms

School friendship segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

racial residential segregation, residential segregation

Visualization based on the research

For the complete network of associated segregation forms, see:

First year of publication https://tinyurl.com/2235lkhw

Louvain clusters https://tinyurl.com/2d8wg5n3

Betweenness centrality https://tinyurl.com/223udk5r

Disciplines where segregation forms first appeared https://tinyurl.com/244d8unz

References

Notes

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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