Gender and Peer Influence in Adolescence: A Study of Family, School, and Social Engagement Patterns

Abstract

Adolescence is a pivotal stage of development marked by identity formation, emotional growth, and heightened responsiveness to peer influence. Gendered socialization processes shape how males and females respond to peer norms, influencing behaviour in domains such as school, peers, and family. This study investigated gender differences in family involvement, school participation, and peer involvement among 60 adolescents (33 males, 27 females) in Kolkata, West Bengal, using purposive sampling. Data were collected through the Peer Pressure Inventory (PPI) and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Mann-Whitney test. Findings revealed significant gender differences in peer and school involvement, with males and females engaging differently in these contexts, while no significant difference was observed in family involvement. These results highlight the need for gender-informed approaches in adolescent research and interventions to support healthy social development.