Classroom Culture: Understanding the Factors Shaping Adolescent Status Hierarchy

• In Event: 21020 - Section on Sociology of Education Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 20: School and Classroom Dynamics: Trust, Discipline, and the Pathways to Educational Flourishing

Abstract

In social science research, the status hierarchy among adolescents has been a widely discussed topic. Previous studies demonstrate that adolescents derive social status from their peers, shaping their values and educational outcomes and potentially reinforcing disparities or even inequalities. A key measure of social status among teenagers is the admiration relationship within the classroom. This study investigates the factors that elevate a high school student's status within the classroom social hierarchy and explores the role of homophily in adolescent admiration networks—specifically, how admiration from similar peers influences a student’s status. Using longitudinal survey data collected from 20 high school classes across Taiwan during the 2021–2022 academic year, we analyze the complexity of admiration relationships among classmates. Our findings reveal that high achievers and individuals with kind attributes are more likely to attain higher status. Furthermore, we identify multiple determinants of admiration, including personal traits, family background, and structural influences. While significant gender homophily exists in admiration networks, our results challenge expectations by showing that admiration from same-gender peers does not necessarily enhance a student’s status and may even have the opposite effect. This study underscores the importance of understanding the various factors that shape adolescent admiration and social status. By contributing to the broader discourse on adolescent social dynamics, our findings offer valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to design student-centered interventions that promote inclusive and supportive peer environments.

Authors

• Man-Lin Chen, University of Washington

• Hsuan-Wei Lee, Lehigh University