Understanding the Determinants and Consequences of Social Networks Among Immigrant Children and Adolescents

Social networks are crucial for the adaptation of immigrant adults, but we know little about whether and how social networks matter for immigrant youth. What are the consequences of having immigrant versus non-immigrant social ties? What is the role of schools in this relationship? This study is the first to draw on a nationally representative longitudinal dataset (National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health) with individual-level data on friendship ties to examine these questions. The investigators will compare immigrant students to non-immigrant students and also estimate differences across 1st generation, 2nd generation, and 3rd generation immigrant origin students. Findings have potential to inform future school-level interventions that can influence immigrant students’ ties, and, through these ties, improve outcomes.