Cliques

Definition

Cliques are small, tightly-knit groups of individuals who share common interests, values, and often social status, typically forming during adolescence. They play a significant role in shaping the social dynamics among peers, influencing behaviors, attitudes, and academic outcomes. Cliques can create a sense of belonging and identity but may also lead to exclusion and social hierarchies within larger groups.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cliques often form based on shared interests such as hobbies, academic goals, or social backgrounds, helping members find support and connection.
2. Members of cliques may experience both positive effects, like increased motivation in academics, and negative effects, such as stress from conformity.
3. Cliques can impact academic achievement through peer influence; for instance, if a clique prioritizes academic success, members are likely to perform better.
4. The presence of cliques can lead to social hierarchies in school settings where students are grouped based on popularity or shared interests.
5. Cliques can also contribute to bullying or exclusionary behaviors, as members may ostracize those who do not conform to the group's norms.

Review Questions

• How do cliques influence individual academic performance among peers?
  • Cliques can significantly influence individual academic performance by promoting certain values and behaviors related to education. For example, if a clique prioritizes studying and academic achievement, members are likely to adopt similar attitudes towards schoolwork. Conversely, if a clique engages in disruptive behavior or devalues education, members may struggle academically due to peer pressure and the desire to fit in with the group.
• What role do cliques play in creating social hierarchies within schools?
  • Cliques contribute to the formation of social hierarchies within schools by establishing in-groups and out-groups based on shared interests or social status. This can lead to a ranking system among students where certain cliques gain more prestige or visibility than others. As students identify with specific cliques, they often navigate their interactions based on these hierarchies, which can affect friendships, academic collaboration, and even opportunities for leadership roles.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of clique membership on an individual's social development and academic trajectory.
  • The long-term effects of clique membership can significantly shape an individual's social development and academic trajectory. Positive influences from academically driven cliques can lead to higher educational attainment and successful career paths. In contrast, individuals who remain in exclusionary or disruptive cliques may face challenges such as lower self-esteem and limited social skills. Over time, these experiences can affect their ability to form relationships and succeed in various aspects of life beyond school.

Related terms

Peer Pressure:

The influence exerted by a peer group on its members to conform to certain behaviors, attitudes, or values.

Social Identity: A person's sense of who they are based on their group memberships, which can influence their self-esteem and behavior.

Exclusion: The act of deliberately leaving out individuals from a group, often leading to feelings of isolation and decreased social status.