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Supporting Friendship Diversity Through Class List Creation

Author

Listed:
  • Susanne Böller

    (University of Bonn)

  • Hanno Kruse

    (University of Bonn)

Abstract

Class composition plays an important role in shaping children's friendships. This policy brief shows that more diverse friendships can be fostered by reducing the overlap between gender and other social characteristics, such as migration background, religion, or socioeconomic status, within classrooms. Drawing on data from 524 classrooms and simulation analyses, we propose a practical three-step heuristic: identify a locally relevant social category, define gender-based subgroups, and distribute these subgroups evenly across classes. The findings suggest that this approach can reduce within-group friendships and promote more diverse social ties while complementing, rather than replacing, educators' professional judgement in class assignment decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Susanne Böller & Hanno Kruse, 2026. "Supporting Friendship Diversity Through Class List Creation," ECONtribute Policy Brief Series 073, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkpbs:073
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    File URL: https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkpbs/ECONtribute_PB_073_2026_EN.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2026
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