Activity

1. Students often consider themselves to be independent and unique, yet a feature of adolescent behaviour is the strong need to conform to peer group pressure. Identify some of the student sub-cultures around at the moment (grunge, Goths, clubbers, etc). For each one, list the distinguishing dress characteristics that define the group. Are some dress codes enforced more strongly than others?
2. Describe an experience you have had of conforming to group pressure in the last week. An example would be agreeing to the plans made by your friends for Saturday night even though you wanted to do something else. Make a list of these and discuss what the pressure to conform felt like. Why was it so difficult to go against the tide of opinion? What would have made it easier to express difference?

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