Forum Seven: Who Are Your Peers? Objective Examine Peer Pres

Forum Sevenwho Are Your Peersobjectiveexamine Peer Pressure And How I

The assignment involves examining peer pressure and its influence on decision-making. Students are asked to reflect on their own class, identify who their peers are, and analyze how peer pressure impacts their choices and social interactions. The task includes watching a provided video, then writing a personal response to specific questions: which class they belong to, why, who their peers are, and their reference points in everyday decisions. Students should consider the role of peer pressure, supported by personal examples. Additionally, students are expected to read and respond to at least two classmates' posts, especially those with different perspectives, engaging in professional debate and providing supporting examples. Follow-up questions should be used to deepen the discussion, such as inquiries about peers' living standards and their influence.

Paper For Above instruction

Peer pressure is a pervasive social influence that significantly shapes individuals' decisions across various contexts. Recognizing the class one belongs to, understanding who the peers are, and evaluating how these relationships influence behavior are crucial steps in examining the effects of peer pressure. For me, I identify primarily with the middle class, as my social interactions, peer group, and lifestyle reflect common middle-income values and experiences. My peers include classmates, friends from extracurricular activities, and colleagues, with whom I often compare my aspirations and social standards.

In everyday choices, I tend to reference my peers’ opinions and behaviors because they serve as social benchmarks. For instance, when deciding how to spend free time or make ethical choices, I consider what my peers are doing or what they might think. Personal experiences highlight the influence of peer pressure: during high school, I faced pressure to conform to peer expectations by attending certain social events or engaging in specific activities. For example, peer influence played a role in my decision to participate in school clubs or social outings, sometimes even conflicting with my personal comfort or preferences.

Peer pressure manifests in various forms, from subtle social cues to direct encouragement. Its impact often hinges on perceived social acceptance and the desire to belong. Social psychologists, such as Asch (1951), have demonstrated that individuals often conform to group norms to gain social approval, even when such conformity conflicts with personal beliefs or better judgment. This dynamic can lead to both positive behaviors, such as efforts to improve oneself through peer encouragement, or negative ones, like engagement in risky activities.

The influence of peer pressure is not uniform; it varies based on the individual's self-esteem, the nature of the peer group, and context. For example, in peer groups where risk-taking is valued, individuals may feel compelled to participate in behaviors they normally would avoid. Conversely, supportive peer environments can foster positive decision-making and reinforce personal values. Understanding these mechanisms encourages awareness of how social influences operate and underscores the importance of developing resilience against negative pressures.

Responding to classmates who have different experiences or perspectives enhances the discussion. For instance, some students may discuss peer pressure within online contexts or across different cultural backgrounds. Such differences highlight how social influences can vary significantly depending on societal norms and environments. Engaging in professional debate about these differences allows for a richer understanding of peer pressure's multifaceted nature.

Follow-up questions, such as asking about peers’ socioeconomic backgrounds or how their peer influences differ across contexts, can deepen the discussion. For example, "Do you find that your peers from different socioeconomic backgrounds exert different kinds of pressure?" or "How do your perceptions of peer influence change depending on the setting?" These questions promote reflection on the diversity of social dynamics and their implications for decision-making.

Understanding peer pressure's role in social interactions and decision-making provides valuable insights into human behavior. Recognizing one's own reference points and the influence of peers empowers individuals to make more autonomous choices, ultimately fostering personal growth and social harmony. In conclusion, while peer pressure can pose challenges, awareness and critical reflection serve as essential tools to navigate its effects effectively.

References

• Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure on the modification and distortion of judgments. In H. Guetzkow (Ed.), Groups, leadership and men (pp. 177-190). Carnegie Press.
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• Crandall, C. S., & Shermer, D. (2012). Peer influence and social norms. In The Oxford handbook of social influence (pp. 269-288). Oxford University Press.
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