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Social groups include social relationships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2026

Kristin Shutts Open the ORCID record for Kristin Shutts [Opens in a new window]  and
Katherine D. Kinzler
Kristin Shutts*
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA kshutts@wisc.edu
Katherine D. Kinzler
Affiliation:
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA kinzler@uchicago.edu
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

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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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e49
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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