Explain and briefly evaluate the importance of peer groups in creating and reinforcing identities Flashcards
point 1
One way peer groups create and reinforce identities is through using negative sanctions in order for fellow peers to conform to peer group norms and expected identities.
example 1
Hey shows how peers control each other using informal sanctions and found that they excluded and insulted peers they felt were not conforming to expectations. She found working class girls called each other ‘slags’ if they were seen as too promiscuous and so their sexual behaviour was controlled via this sanction.
explain 1
This shows that peer groups are important in creating and reinforcing identities as they have the power to completely change someone to fit their liking through others desire to fit in using negative sanctions.
counter 1
However some sociologists argue the importance of the family in creating and reinforcing values, Oakley shows how gender roles are socialised in the family by parents who talk differently to their children depending on their gender (‘big boys don’t cry’) and the activities they are channelled into (‘ballet is for girls’).
point 2
Another way peer groups create and reinforce identities is through having role models that can alter other members norms and values as they desire to be accepted.
example 2
Adler and Adler argue that Over time a hierarchy develops, within peer groups (some members have greater power and influence than others). Those with higher status acted as role models for their peers, as friends started to imitate their behaviour, such as clothing and styles of speech. Friendship cliques exercise their power by accepting some children and excluding others.
explain 2
This shows that peer groups are important in creating and reinforcing identities as certain members have the power to change others identities, and if other members don’t change they have the power to socially isolate them.
counter 2
However some sociologists argue the importance of the education in creating and reinforcing values, Functionalists argue that the hidden curriculum teaches the value consensus, for example students learn the importance of hard work, and success through the exam system and learn the importance of conforming to rules when they get punished for being late or misbehaving.
point 3
Another way peer groups create and reinforce identities is through members of them imitating the group norm, this group norm is often related to not trying hard in school as it isn’t seen as cool.
example 3
Renold found that primary school boys would hide their academic success in order to avoid teasing from their pals. It seemed being a ‘cool boy’ incorporated being good at sport but not too keen in the classroom. Sewell backed this up as he argues that black working class boys in inner cities often become anti school due to peer groups who prioritise values of consumerism instead of schoolwork.
explain 3
This shows that the peer group creates and reinforces identities children will instil the value that education isn’t important which will shape a persons identity as this will become part of their value system, and this could lead to educational underachievement in later life.
counter 3
However some sociologists argue the importance of the work in creating and reinforcing values, Skeggs carried out research with a group of women retraining to become health care workers. She found that as their training progressed the women were re-socialised into new behaviours. For example, although they wore skirts, high heels and make up outside of work they began to realise this was not ‘the norm’ inside of their new career and adapted their dress code to fit in.
intro
A peer group is a friendship group formed by people of roughly the same age and social position. They meet each other as ‘equals’ rather than being supervised by adults. Peer groups help create and enforce identities from a young age as In play situations they learn more about social norms, skills and roles .
