1. ConformityDuring early teens, most youngsters feel that they must be like the others of their group. They must leave their former social boundaries and search for adventure. This desire to conform has led to the formation of clubs, fraternities, style fads. Some youngsters have gone too far to form a sub-culture of their generation.
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2. PeersThe peer is a small, informal and somewhat exclusive affiliation of individuals in a face-to-face group. Members are approximately of the same age. Basis of peer group formations are interests, special aptitudes, and the desire to get together with others or to do things with others. Activities peers involve in include gossiping, dancing, singing, going places, seeing movies, window shopping, dining out, playing indoor games, etc. the benefits derived from peers are:
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satisfying sense of belongingness
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release of emotional tensions in a friendly climate
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development of social skills
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reinforcement of one's personal importance
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prestige
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incentive to behave in a mature way
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a taste of independence from parents.
The peer also exerts negative influences and pressure upon the teenager. More often than not, the peer group:
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restricts development of individuality.
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encourages hostility to members of out-groups.
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creates competition of keeping up with the Joneses or down with the mob.
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creates conflicts of allegiance between parental authority and clique mores; hence, defiance or parents tests the limits of adult tolerance.
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amplifies development of class segregation.
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disrupts organizational harmony of establishments like schools.
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represents a bizarre system of reward and punishment, of approval and disapproval.
The antidote to pressures exerted by peers and conformity is a sense of maturity.
Case Analysis: Adjusting to Teen Presssure
Analyze the case of Annabelle, a typical teenager like you.
Annabelle is a very studious student, consistently at the top of the honor roll. However, she is lean and lanky. She doesn't mingle with her classmates. She prefers to be alone, to sit on one corner and pore over her books, during her vacant period. One day, one of her teachers, Mrs. De Jesus, calls her attention and says to her, "You are doing fine with your studies. But remember that life is not all books and exams. People must develop skills such as being able to work, get along well with others and to lead peers to productive activity. When you grow older, you will realize that these are more important than your paper qualifications."
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