Commentary questions the division between social groups and relationships, highlighting their interconnection in development.
In this commentary, we express enthusiasm for Thomas’s article and research efforts, but question her proposed division between social groups and social relationships. Joining other social scientists, we view relationships as fundamental to – and sometimes synonymous with – social groups. Further, empirical studies focused on infants and young children highlight the tight link between social groups and relationships.
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Shutts et al. (2026) studied this question.
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