Peer Bonds in Urban School Communities: An Exploratory Study

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  • Nicole Leach Mississippi State University

https://doi.org/10.17583/qre.2018.3062

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Abstract

The literature identifies three main types of peer associations: cliques, crowds, and dyadic friendships. When schools create learning communities, an additional type of peer association may emerge that is not based on interactions but instead is based on membership in a shared community. The aim of this study is to qualitatively explore the nature and characteristics of this association, labeled peer bonds. Observational data (n=432) and semi-structured interviews (n=33) were collected in two urban high schools over the course of three academic years. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Findings suggest that there are six characteristics of peer bonds: investment in peer success, shared identity, shared values, pedagogical caring, shared success, and shared failure. The scholarly significance of this study is the expansion of theoretical conceptualizations of peer associations in learning communities while the practical significance is the potential use of a largely underutilized source for academic interventions, peers, by creating school community.

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Author Biography

Nicole Leach, Mississippi State University

Assistant Professor

College of Education

Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Foundations

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Published

2018-02-27

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How to Cite

Leach, N. (2018). Peer Bonds in Urban School Communities: An Exploratory Study. Qualitative Research in Education, 7(1), 64–86. https://doi.org/10.17583/qre.2018.3062

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