Social network analysis makes it possible to determine how large and dense children's peer networks are, how central children are within their networks, the various structural configurations that characterize social groups, and which peers make up individual children's networks. By centering the child within his or her social system, it is possible to understand the socialization processes that draw children toward or away from particular peers, as well as those who contribute to peer influence.

This volume demonstrates how social network analysis provides insights into the ways in which peer groups contribute to children's and adolescents' development -- from gender and intergroup relations, to aggression and bullying, to academic achievement. Together the chapters in this volume depict the complex, nested, and dynamic structure of peer groups and explain how social structure defines developmental processes.

This is the 118th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development.