Importance of peer group

by Yuvi - November 15, 2020

B.Ed First Year Notes English Medium

Q. Importance of peer group

Peer group consists of all those people of about the same age and status in society who have aggregated together to form a sociological group with a homogeneous system of values.

Importance of peer group

1) Developmental psychologists like Vygotsky and Sullivan have all argued that peer relationships provide a unique context for cognitive, social, and emotional development, with equality, reciprocity, cooperation, and intimacy maturing and enhancing children’s reasoning abilities and concern for others.

2) The peer group provides emotional or instrumental support, fosters friendships and facilitates social interaction and development.

3) Peer groups can help adolescents gain sex education and accept the ensuing changes in their physical development.

4) It provides opportunities for self-expression and stimulates them to think for themselves, assume responsibility, new experiences and new adventures which maintain their interest.

5) Peer groupism also leads to herd mentality where negative effects like smoking, drugs, etc. cause a bad influence.

6) It promotes awareness about socio-economic inequality, racial understanding, religious tolerance and national integration.

7) It develops social attitudes, group values and the ability to go beyond one’s ego-centric interest into concern for the group activity.

8) Teachers can take advantage of peer groups for giving group work and developing a sense of teamwork and team spirit.