Abstract
This study provides some descriptive information about the variety of peer groups that exist within urban high schools. The results suggest that African-American peer groups vary in the amount of visibility, likability, and respect that they receive from other students in their school. The data also revealed that although many groups are perceived to be known by students in the school, these groups are not always liked and respected within the school. In addition, students' perceptions of the peer groups within their schools varied depending on the gender, grade level, and school. The findings suggest that schools need to have a more comprehensive understanding of the types of peer groups that exist in their schools. The results also imply that schools can alter the school environment to encourage positive attitudes toward students who are academically inclined and to minimize the influence that negative peer groups have on the student body.
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Senior, A.M., Anderson, B.T. Who's who among African-American student groups in high school: An exploratory investigation on peer subcultures. Urban Rev 25, 233–249 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01112110
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01112110