Gender network dynamics in prosocial and aggressive behavior of early adolescents

Network selection and influence on aggressive and prosocial behavior have been of great concern, but current research is limited by predominant studies in European-American societies and insufficient consideration on gender networks. Using panel data from 702 seventh grade students in a Chinese society, we show that while results are in general consistent with European-American samples, network processes differ between all ties, male ties, female ties, and cross-gender ties. Furthermore, the prevalence of behavior is often at odds with influence effects in gender networks. This article demonstrates the necessity to distinguish sub-networks within networks.