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Abstract
Study1: This study examined how gender and perceived rough and non-rough sports competency shape friendship networks among 459 fourth- and fifth-grade students across 26 classrooms. Using Exponential Random Graph Models, the study found strong gender homophily in friendships. Contrary to expectations, sports competency did not predict more friendship ties. However, homophily in sports competency significantly predicted the formation of friendship.For boys, friendships were associated with homophily in rough sports competency, whereas for girls, with shared non-rough sports competency.
Study2: This study investigated the characteristics of cross-gender friendship (CGF) groups among 468 students in 26 classrooms. Using community detection technique, 88 friendship groups were identified. CGF groups were less frequent but larger than same-gender friendship (SGF) groups and demonstrated lower density, reciprocity, and transitivity. CGF groups differed from SGF groups in perceived rough and non-rough sports competency, while they exhibited similar levels of academic competency and social status.