X to Inter

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Positive (advantages) attributes of peer groups[edit]
Serve as a source of information[edit]
Peer groups provide perspective outside of the individual’s viewpoints. Members inside peer groups also learn to develop relationships with others in the social system. Peers, particularly group members, become important social referents for[21][22] teaching other members customs, social norms, and different ideologies.[23]
Teach gender roles[edit]
Peer groups can also serve as a venue for teaching members gender roles. Through gender-role socialization, group members learn about sex differences, and social and cultural expectations.[24] While boys and girls differ greatly, there is not a one-to-one link between sex and gender roles with males always being masculine and females always being feminine.[24] Both genders can contain different levels of masculinity and femininity.[25][26] Peer groups can consist of all males, all females, or both males and females. Studies show that the majority of peer groups are unisex.[6] Peer groups can have great influence or peer pressure on each other’s gender role behavior, depending on the amount of pressure.
Serve as a practicing venue to adulthood[edit]
Adolescent peer groups provide support as teens assimilate into adulthood. Major changes include: decreasing dependence on parents, increasing feelings of self-sufficiency, and connecting with a much larger social network.[27][28][29] Adolescents are expanding their perspective beyond the family and learning how to negotiate relationships with others in different parts of the social system. Peers, particularly group members, become important social referents.[21] Peer groups also influence individual members' attitudes and behaviours on many cultural and social issues, such as: drug use, violence, and academic achievement.[30][31][32] and even the development and expression of prejudice.[33][34][35]
Teach unity & collective behaviour[edit|edit source]
Peer groups provide an influential social setting in which group norms are developed and enforced through socialization processes that promote in-group similarity.[36] Peer groups' cohesion is determined and maintained by such factors as group communication, group consensus, and group conformity concerning attitude and behavior. As members of peer groups interconnect and agree on what defines them as a group, a normative code arises. This normative code can become very rigid, such as when deciding on group behavior and clothing attire.[21] Member deviation from the strict normative code can lead to rejection from the group.[37]
Identity formation[edit]
Peer groups can help individuals form their own identity. Identity formation is a developmental process where a person acquires a sense of self. One of the major factors that influence the formation of a person’s identity is his or her peers. Studies have showed peers provide normative regulation, and they provide a staging ground for the practice of social behaviors. This allows individuals to experiment with roles and discover their identities.[38] The identity formation process is an important role in an individual’s development. Erik Erikson emphasized the importance of identity formation, and he illustrated the steps one takes in developing his or her sense of self. He believed this process occurs throughout one's entire life.[39]