‘Life is a tightrope’: reflections on peer group inclusion and exclusion amongst adolescent girls and boys

Abstract

Feeling part of one’s peer group is of crucial importance for most middle adolescents. Drawing on empirical research in different schools, this paper explores the components of exclusion in relation to gender, the consequences for those excluded by their peers, and the kinds of strategies engaged in by girls and boys in order to attain peer group acceptance.

Keywords:

• identity
• peer groups
• inclusion
• exclusion

Acknowledgements

Our thanks are due to Ros McLellan and the trainee teachers who collected the data on which this paper is based, to all the students who participated so openly and enthusiastically, and to the four schools who facilitated the research.

Notes

1. Codes following each quote relate to school (Schools 1–4 – see above), gender (male/female); data source (I = interview; W = writing).

2. A ‘mosher’ in this school was someone who wore what they wanted as opposed to what was fashionable, listened to a mixture of music, wore badges proclaiming support for particular rock groups and generally pleased themselves. ‘Mosher’ was always portrayed in a derogatory way.