Ecology of the Peer Group
Peers are equals, individuals of the same gender, age, and social status and who share interests.
They satisfy certain belonging needs.
They are often preferred to other socializing agents.
They influence not only social development but cognitive and psychological development as well.
By interacting with others we derive an opinion of ourselves.
Develops first within the family.
Parents influence child-peer relationships by influencing with whom their children interact.
Studies show that poor peer relationships in childhood are linked to later development of neurotic and psychotic behavior and to a greater tendency to drop out of school.
Children learn to compete for status in a peer group by compliance with group norms and creation of group norms at appropriate times.
Social competence involves behavior informed by an understanding of others' feelings and intentions and the ability to respond appropriately.
Peer Group Socializing Agents:
Reinforcement
Modeling
Punishment
Apprenticeship
Macrosystem Influences
Developing Morals and Values
Learning Appropriate Sociocultural Roles
Achieving Independence and Identity
Chronosystem Influences- Play
Developmental Play
Rough and Tumble Play
Pretend Play
Acceptance vs. Rejection
Sociotherapy- an intervention to help children who have trouble making and keeping friends
Bullies- tend to need to feel powerful, physically stronger than peers, show little empathy, engage in antisocial behavior
Victims- tend to be physically weaker, exhibit fear of being hurt, cautious, sensitive, anxious, insecure
Gangs- a group of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and engage in unlawful or criminal activity.