Adolescence: Change and Continuity

Peer Groups

Sparked by biological, cognitive, and social changes, the peer group becomes a very important part of virtually all adolescent lives. Large reputation based groups emerge called 'crowds' and smaller, more intimate groups arise called 'cliques.' The rise in peer groups in the U.S. is a relatively recent development and creates some of the most distinctive features we study in adolescents today.

In our study of them, we will examine: Peer Groups, Cliques and Crowds, Peer Pressure, Popularity, and Adolescent Dating. Although they are not peers per se, we have also included a section on Unrelated Adults.

This site was produced by students taking HDFS 433: The Transition to Adulthood and HDFS 239: Adolescent Development at the Pennsylvania State University. Feedback can be sent to the individual authors or to Nancy Darling (darling@bard.edu).

Last updated 5/06/02.