Peer Groups

Peer Groups Stephanie Scharf CEHS 200: Chapter 8 Nov. 3, 2008

Main Points: Purpose Evolution of Interaction Peer Groups and Play Organization Behavior Influences Acceptance vs. Rejection Positive and Negative Outcomes

Peers equals, individuals who are usually of the same gender, age, and social status and who share interests

Ecological Model Real Life Example I am an only child. Therefore, my social interactions with peers took place only at school and church . Often, the friends I made would come visit in the evenings, where my parents would supervise our activities. Friends visit Make Friends CHILD PEERS FAMILY SCHOOL/ CHURCH

Satisfy certain belonging needs Often preferred to other socializing agents Influence social, cognitive and psychological development Influence development of morals and values Interaction provides instruction on acceptable behavior.

Social Support – resources provided by others in times of need Validation for the self Encouragement to try new things Opportunities for comparison Enable self-disclosure Provide identity

Infancy/Toddlerhood First feel belonging and develop attachment to parents Capable of simple interactions distinguishing self from others Progress from emotional to behavioral interactions By 3.5 can be socially involved with peers Friendship: momentary playmateship

Early Childhood Parenting styles affect opportunity for social interactions Deal with more complex issues such as power, compliance, cooperation, and conflict Interaction increases and becomes more complex, forming groups Friendship: one-way assistance

Middle Childhood School age children experience increase in social interaction Peer group attractive because opportunity for independence from family Enjoy the closeness and sharing of emotions Group provides identity models Peer interaction more than 30% of their time Activities become gender-specific and reflect culture Friendship: Two-way, fair-weather cooperation; intimate, mutually shared relationships

Adolescence Develop “best friends” and base friendships off closeness of the relationship Peer group activities escalate Turn to group for “what’s hot now” “ hang out”, talk, watch TV, listen to music, play video games, be seen, see who else is “hanging” with whom, wait for something to happen Friendship: autonomous interdependent friendships

Help learn about environment Imaginary situations governed by social rules Acceptable way to express emotions and impulses Practice skills necessary for adult life

Cliques mutually connected by doing things together Crowds loosely organized reference groups of cliques

Ways Peer Groups Influence Behavior

Reinforcement giving attention and acceptance Modeling imitation, conformity Punishment teasing, physical aggression, rejection Apprenticeship the “expert” helps the “novice”

Stratify some individuals more dominant and other submissive Develop norms standards that serve as guidelines Frustration and competition contribute to hostility Competition between groups fosters cohesiveness within groups Intergroup hostility can often be reduced by working towards a common goal

Adult influence How adults mediate the social interaction within a peer group – competitive or cooperative – influences children’s behavior Adult leadership style influences socialization

Peer Acceptance Versus Rejection

Collaboration Tutoring Counseling Neighborhood affects positive or negative effects

Bully Characteristics Domination Physically stronger Impulsive, low frustration tolerance, easily angered Rule-breakers Show little empathy Positive self-concept Antisocial behavior

Victim Characteristics Physically weaker Show fear of pain Poor physical coordination Cautious, sensitive, quiet, passive, submissive, shy Anxious, insecure, unhappy Negative self-concept Relate better to adults than peers

What to do? Intervention with bullies that do not reinforce harassment Intervention with victims to alter negative self-concept and to respond in nonreinforcing ways to threats

Gang group of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and engage in unlawful or criminal activity

Reasons Gangs Form Racism Socioeconomics Family structure Belief system

Peer Groups

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Peer Groups