Reactions to Gender Norm Violations: Individual- and Peer-Level Analyses of Gender Atypicality and Social Exclusion in Adolescence

Adolescence is a period marked by the importance of peer-groups and conformity, and thus, deviation from social norms can be particularly sanctioned. In particular, gender norm violations in adolescence have been shown to be linked to several negative outcomes. One possible outcome is social exclusion of gender norm violating adolescents. In the present study, we directly investigated social exclusion, in adolescence, due to gender norm violations, using both self-reports and peer-rating measures. A sample of 310 French adolescents between 11 and 16 years rated themselves and their classmates on measures of social exclusion and gender (a)typicality. Results showed that adolescents’ gender atypicality predicted social exclusion. Theoretical and methodological implications of this study for future research on reactions to gender norm violations are discussed.