Janice M. McCabe

Janice McCabe, a Dartmouth sociologist who studies how friendships form and fade. She talks about why proximity and similarity drive connections. She explains how identity shifts in retirement open new social opportunities. Practical ideas include recurring activities and intentional habits to build and maintain meaningful ties.

Janice M. McCabe, a sociologist and Dartmouth faculty member, discusses her research on college friendships and their profound impact on student life. She reveals how campus structures—like dorm living versus commuting—can significantly influence friendship formation. McCabe introduces concepts like 'initial and secondary friendship markets' and explores the emotional nuances of losing friends. She also emphasizes the importance of inclusive campus designs for fostering meaningful connections, highlighting differences across institutions.