“If You Know, You Know”: Exploring the Girl Code in Female Adolescent Friendships

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Lindsay Angela Fortun Azura, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Annica Mariz Gaza Ilagan, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Krystine Jean Olaya Obia, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Natalie Allyana Piccio Talplacido, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Go, Stella P.

Start Date

25-6-2025 1:00 PM

End Date

25-6-2025 2:30 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

https://zoom.us/j/97863912335?pwd=BKJm0WyfODOIZXivBFrrpyFh41m6ef.1 Meeting ID: 978 6391 2335 Passcode: 207029

Abstract/Executive Summary

Abstract: The girl code, a set of implicit social rules, governs the dynamics of close female friendships, guiding how adolescent girls interact, provide support, and navigate emotional challenges within their friendships. Despite its significant impact on female adolescent relationships, limited research has examined the girl code, especially within the Philippine context. Through five focus group discussions (FGDs) with close-knit female friendship groups of senior high school students aged 17 to 18, the study aimed to uncover the constituents of the unspoken rules, underlying core values, development process, enforcement mechanisms, and consequences of conformity within close adolescent Filipino female friendships. A thematic analysis approach was utilized in this phenomenological research study. The findings reveal that the rules of the girl code require members to adhere to norms of loyalty, respect, trust, and support. The underlying core values behind the rules reflect themes of relational sensitivity and moral responsibility. They are developed through tacit understanding and shared experiences. Enforcement is applied through inclusion and social sensitivity, communication, and handling tensions. The consequences of conformity and violation exhibit strengthened social bonds, psychosocial outcomes, and emotional fallout. Overall, the study shows that the girl code provides a crucial moral framework that helps adolescent girl groups navigate complex social dynamics and challenges.

Keywords

girl code, female adolescent friendships, core values, conformity

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Gender, Human Development, and the Individual (GHI)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes