Social Contexts: Peers Peer group: A collection of individuals approximately equal in age, social status, ability, and other characteristics.

The Nature of Peer Relations  Peer Group Functions  Family-Peer Linkages  Peer Conformity  Peer Statuses

What is a “crowd”?  Consists of individuals who act similarly, share the “reputation” of the group, but why may not interact with one another most of the time; crowd functions to organize social activities; provides a venue for peer interactions.

What is a “clique”? l A small group of friends which has greater interpersonal intimacy and cohesion than a crowd. Function is talking, sharing information, etc.

Theoretical views l Erikson l Piaget l Elkind l Kohlberg l Bandura l W. Hartup & T. Berndt l B.B. Brown

Stages of Peer Group Development l Stage 1: Precrowd; isolated unisex cliques. l Stage 2: Beginning of crowd; cliques begin to interact. l Stage 3: Crowd in transition; heterosexual pairing. l Stage 4: Fully developed crowd. l Stage 5: Crowd disentegration.

Peers’ influences are l multidimensional l subtle l take different forms, depending upon the organization of the peer group. l more significant among younger adolescents l more influential for “neutral” behaviors

Friendship The Function of Friendships  Companionship  Stimulation  Physical Support  Ego Support  Social Comparison  Intimacy/affection

Benefits of friendships l Increase self-esteem and self- confidence l increase perspective-taking skills l facilitate social skills l foster sense of belonging l lead to good psychosocial adjustment l leads to good academic achievement

Strategies for Making Friends at School