Social networks, health, and health inequalities in youth

Since 1960s school-based surveys also focused on social networks of young people. In comparison with other life stages, the evidence regarding social network research is more advanced for school-aged children. These studies identified that homophile of peer groups in adolescence can be attributed to two mechanisms: the thesis of social influence (young people adapt to health and health behaviour of their friends) and the thesis of selection (adolescents choose their friends according to whether they show the same attitudes and (health) behavior as they do themselves). The existing studies focused especially on substance use (smoking and drinking) but also on physical activity and nutrition and to a lesser extent also on mental health, where both these are relevant. However, for explaining health inequalities the evidence is scarce. This chapter will give an overview of social network research on young people and will give insights into the few existing studies regarding the explanation of health inequalities in adolescence (especially regarding smoking). It will also emphasize the need for further research in explaining health inequalities (beyond tobacco consumption) as well as longitudinal research designs.