Content Vocabulary peer group peer pressure clique deviant gangs cults refusal skills

A peer group can help bridge the gap between the dependent state of childhood and the independent state of adulthood. peer group A group of friends similar to yourself in age and stage of life 2

Peer groups can be a negative influence if they pressure you to engage in harmful activities. This is peer pressure. peer pressure The internal pressure one feels to behave as a peer group does, in order to gain its members’ approval 3

Often, members of a peer group will form a clique and ignore their own values just to fit in with the crowd. clique A peer group that rejects newcomers and judges both its members and nonmembers harshly 4

The Formation of Peer Groups Belonging to many peer groups can be a positive influence on development. 5

The Formation of Peer Groups For most teens, peers are important in providing clues to each individual’s identity. Peer groups help teens learn about their own tendencies and how they interact with others. Shyness can be overcome by seeking comfortable settings to meet with others and realize that other people feel the same way. 6

The Value of Peer Groups Peer groups can help teens feel a sense of belonging. 7

The Value of Peer Groups Peer groups can: help lessen a teen’s natural fears. provide safety in numbers. allow a teen to try out a newly emerging identity. act as a support system. 8

Parents Are Primary Influences Parents remain the primary influencers in the lives of many teens. 9

Generally, teens adopt their parents’ values on issues such as: Parents Are Primary Influences Generally, teens adopt their parents’ values on issues such as: Family. Religion. Work. Morals. Standards. 10

Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Gangs and cults may meet a person’s need to belong, but they do not provide a positive peer group experience. 11

Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults A teen’s need to belong can cause problems if they choose to associate with a deviant group. deviant Outside the normal system 12

Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Gangs enforce their rules within their group by their own authority and remain outside of the larger society. A gang may require members to participate in dangerous and illegal activities. gangs Groups that exist largely to express aggression against other groups 13

Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Gender Identity Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Cults Cults may disguise themselves as a group offering peace or contentment, but they exist for the sole purpose of amassing money for themselves. cults Groups of people who share intense admiration or adoration of a particular person or principle 14

Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Gender Identity Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Cults Refusal skills can be useful in handling uncomfortable situations, including refusal to engage in behaviors that go against your values. refusal skills A set of social strategies that enable people to competently resist the pressure by others to engage in dangerous or otherwise undesirable behaviors 15

Deviant Peer Groups—Gangs and Cults Cults may use guilt, brainwashing, threats, or even legal actions to convince members to hand over their belongings. Those who step outside of the rules of larger society may face punishment and rejection from the majority. 16

Section Review: Reviewing the Vocabulary Define peer group. peer group A group of friends similar to yourself in age and stage of life

Section Review: Reviewing the Vocabulary What is a clique? clique A peer group that rejects newcomers and judges both its members and nonmembers harshly