The present invention provides: a resin composition for friction materials, which contains a resol type phenolic resin having a constituent unit represented by general formula (r1) (wherein each of R1 and R2 independently represents an optionally substituted divalent hydrocarbon group) and a constituent unit represented by general formula (r2) (wherein each of R3 and R4 independently represents an optionally substituted divalent hydrocarbon group), and wherein the ratio of ether groups (-R3-O-R4-) in the resol type phenolic resin is 0.2-1.0 mole per 1 mole of benzene rings; and the like.
