Peer power: The role of peers on the sociopolitical development of immigrant‐origin Latinx youth

Abstract

Peers play a vital role in socialization throughout adolescent development. Latinx youth, particularly those who are immigrant‐origin, navigate unique obstacles in the American sociopolitical context, often shaped by anti‐immigrant rhetoric. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 23 immigrant‐origin Latinx youth ( M _age = 20) from across the U.S. Through Constructivist Grounded Theory, we explored the role of peers in their sociopolitical development, leading to a theory of peer sociopolitical socialization that captures how peers were both supportive and obstructive. Participants identified that peers provided support through (a) providing emotional support, (b) creating space for dialogue, (c) collectively engaging in action, and (d) influencing their curiosity. Peers also hindered their sociopolitical development through inhibiting dialogue and action. We provide recommendations for future research and youth development interventions.