A Review of Peer Social Development in Early Childhood

Abstract

This article provides a clear and informative review of the literature on young children's peer social development. Implications of social‐learning theory are addressed as well as numerous findings of empirical research in this area. Themes well‐documented in the literature include (a) child/peer versus child/adult interactions, (b) incorporation of toys and games, (c) influence of mothers, and (d) gender peer preferences. However, several important areas currently lack copious empirical support, such as (a) the role fathers play in children's social development, (b) racial/cultural differences, and (c) mixed‐age group interaction. Additional research concerning these topics is warranted to further the general understanding of the social development process.

Key Words:

• Young children
• peers
• social
• development
• imitation
• mothers