Ramteke |1

A PROJECT ON

PEER PRESSURE

SUBMITTED TO- SUBMITTED BY –

MRS. ALKA MEHTA RUPALI VINOD RAMTEKE

Faculty of English SECTION ‘C’

SEMESTER – I

ENGLISH PROJECT

SUBMITTED ON: 01-09-2014

HIDAYATULLAH NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY,

UPARWARA REGION, NEW RAIPUR
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DECLARATION

I, Rupali Ramteke, hereby declare that, the project work entitled, “Peer Pressure” submitted to
H.N.L.U, Raipur is record of an original work done by me under the able guidance of Mrs. Alka
Mehta, Faculty Member, H.N.L.U., Raipur.

RUPALI VINOD RAMTEKE

Roll No. 136

01/09/2014
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thanks to the Almighty who gave me the strength to accomplish the project with sheer hard
work and honesty. This research venture has been made possible due to the generous co-
operation of various persons. To list them all is not practicable, even to repay them in words is
beyond the domain of my lexicon.
May I observe the protocol to show my deep gratitude to the venerated Faculty-in-charge Mrs.
Alka Mehta, for his kind gesture in allotting me such a wonderful and elucidating research
topic.

RUPALI VINOD RAMTEKE

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ABSTRACT

The project basically revolves around peer pressure and its effect, positive and
negative, on the society. Its main aim is to classify and focus on the peer pressure, its
types and how is it really affecting our society.

Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and
adolescents. Their influence begins at an early age and increases through the teenage
years. It is natural, healthy and important for children to have and rely on friends as they
grow and mature.

Peers can be positive and supportive. They can help each other develop new skills,
or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities.

However, peers can also have a negative influence. They can encourage each other
to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, or become involve in other risky
behaviors. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems begin using drugs or
alcohol as a result of peer pressure.

Kids often give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They want to be
liked and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if they don't go along
with the group.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pages

Declaration ……….2
Acknowledgements ..........3

Abstract ..........4

1. Introduction ..........6

1.1 In Youth ...........7

2. How Peer Pressure Works? .........7-8

3. Types of Peer Pressure ........ 9-11

3.1 Varieties of Peer pressure

3.1.1 Spoken Peer pressure

3.1.2 Unspoken Peer pressure

3.1.3 Negative Peer pressure

3.1.4 Positive Peer pressure

3.1.5 Adult Peer pressure

4. Positive and Negative Peer pressure ........11

5. Common Examples of Peer pressure ....13-16

6. How to prevent Peer pressure? ........16

7. Conclusion

8. References/Bibliography
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“The strongest man in the world is he who stands alone.”

- Henrik Ibsen

1. INTRODUCTION-

Peer pressure is an influence when a peer group, or individual encourages

another person to change their values, or behaviors to suit other peoples
convenience include membership groups, in which individuals are "formally"
members (such as political parties and trade unions), or social cliques in which
membership is not clearly defined. They may also recognize dissociative groups with
which they would not wish to associate, and thus they behave adversely, in ways
concerning that group's behaviors.

Peer pressure is a powerful mental force that influences everyone, but tends
to more strongly affect people in their teenage years. It can be both good and bad
depending on what they are being pressured to do. Sports figures can be a
positive influence, as kids try to perfect their skills and abilities to be more like
them. Characters in the movies however, tend to influence kids to follow their
footsteps in an attempt to do the impossible. For a teenager, trying to fit in and be
accepted is a big goal and they will often go to great extremes to be liked and
popular among their peers. Their thirst for positive or negative popularity and
attention forcefully affects the actions of today's teens.

"Peers become increasingly important during the teenage years (Horn &
Keough p.42). Their "self-esteem” is directly affected by the degree to which they
feel accepted by the peer group-and conformity is the price that's paid to be
accepted by the crowd (Panzarine p. 146). They become very influential in such
things as dress, athletics, and conduct. Peer relationships are often not looked well
upon because of the types of thing kids to do to impress one another. When in
fact, peer relationships help teenagers develop the social skills necessary for
adult functioning, are instrumental in facilitating an adolescent's sense of personal
identity, and aid in their efforts to achieve independence and autonomy from their
family (Horn & Keough p.42). The generalization however, that peer relationships
are harmful does have truth to it. Peers can influence others to become rebellious
and take risks. This often leads to low self-esteem and self-destruction.

1.1 IN YOUTH-
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Peers become an important influence on behaviour during adolescence, and

peer pressure has been called a hallmark of an adolescent experience. Peer conformity in
young people is most pronounced with respect to style, taste, appearance, ideology, and
values. Peer pressure is commonly associated with episodes of adolescent risk taking
(such as delinquency, drug abuse, sexual behaviours, and reckless driving) because
these activities commonly occur in the company of peers. Affiliation with friends who
engage in risk behaviors has been shown to be a strong predictor of an adolescent's
own behavior. Peer pressure can also have positive effects when youth are
pressured by their peers toward positive behaviour, such as volunteering for
charity or excelling in academics. The importance of peers declines upon entering
adulthood.
While socially accepted kids often have the most opportunities and the most
positive experiences, research shows that being in the popular crowd may also be a
risk factor for mild to moderate deviant behavior. Popular adolescents are the most
socialized into their peer groups and thus are vulnerable to peer pressures, such
as behaviour usually reserved for those of a greater maturity and understanding.
Socially accepted kids are often accepted for the sheer fact that they conform
well to the norms of teen culture, good and bad aspects included. Popular
adolescents are more strongly associated with their peer groups likes such as
alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Some studies also show that many popular students
also make lower grades than less socially accepted kids. This is possibly due to
the fact that popular students may spend more time worrying about their social
life rather than studying. Although there are a few risk factors correlated with
popularity, deviant behavior is often only mild to moderate. Regardless, social
acceptance provides more overall protective factors than risk factor.

2. HOW PEER PRESSURE WORKS?

An explanation of how the peer pressure process works, called "the identity
shift effect", is introduced by social psychologist, Wendy Trevnor, who weaves
together Leon Festinger’s two seminal social-psychological theories (on cognitive
dissonance, which addresses internal conflict, and social comparison which addresses
external conflict) into a unified whole. According to Treynor's original "identity shift
effect" hypothesis, the peer pressure process works in the following way: One's state of
harmony is disrupted when faced with the threat of external conflict (social
rejection) for failing to conform to a group standard. Thus, one conforms to the
group standard, but as soon as one does, eliminating this external conflict, internal
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conflict is introduced (because one has violated one's own standards). To rid
oneself of this internal conflict (self-rejection), an "identity shift" is undertaken,
where one adopts the group's standards as one's own, thereby eliminating internal
conflict (in addition to the formerly eliminated external conflict), returning one
once again to a state of harmony. Even though the peer pressure process begins
and ends with one in a (conflict-less) state of harmony, as a result of conflict and
the conflict resolution process, one leaves with a new identity—a new set of
internalized standards.

The ugly reality is that peer pressure reaches its greatest intensity at just
the age when kids tend to be most insensitive and cruel." - Walt Mueller,
President, CPYU

Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of

children and adolescents. Their influence begins at an early age and increases
through the teenage years. It is natural, healthy and important for children to
have and rely on friends as they grow and mature.
Peers can be positive and supportive. They can help each other develop
new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities.
However, peers can also have a negative influence. They can encourage
each other to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, or become involve in
other risky behaviors. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began
using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure.
Kids often give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They
want to be liked and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if
they don't go along with the group.

3. TYPES OF PEER PRESSURE-

Peer pressure is a part of a person's routine life. Commonly seen amongst

teenagers, peer pressure can affect people's lives irrespective of their age or sex.
The intensity of peer pressure generally varies with age and maturity. Main
reasons behind peer pressure are rising communication gap between parents and
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children, intense desire to be an acceptable member of a group and a highly

impressionable mind that fails to distinguish between what is right and what is
wrong.

3.1 Varieties of Peer Pressure:

3.1.1 Spoken Peer Pressure-

Here we see peers verbally influencing a teenager to behave the way they are
behaving. E.g: A peer might be seen saying to a teen, " Why are you wasting time
studying Calculus? We still have a long time till the exams. Why don't you come
out for a smoke with us? It will be more fun!"

The teen who would have otherwise continued with his own way of life, listens to
the peers and starts believing that the lifestyle led by his peers is more attractive.
At times, he may see the downside of getting influenced by his peers, but his
mind is set on becoming an acceptable member in his peer group, someone who
would never be made fun of or teased.

3.1.2 Unspoken Peer Pressure-

Here we see teenagers getting influenced by their peers without any provoking
verbal communication taking place between them. If a teen routinely watches his
peers living a particular kind of lifestyle, his mind gets influenced and starts
assuming that his peers are leading a better life than him and that there is
nothing wrong in doing something if everybody is doing it. Here, one's common
sense and better judgment often goes for a toss. E.g: A teen may start substance
abuse or smoking if he sees all his friends doing it fearlessly.

3.1.3 Negative Peer Pressure-

Teenagers' minds are like soft clay which assume the shape of most impressive
personality around them. The impression is often likely to be negative in nature. Teens
have been known to have chosen a wrong path of life by taking to substance abuse,
excessive drinking and smoking, thieving and shoplifting, etc. Such situations often lead
to a criminal record and loss of an opportunity for a bright academic career. A negative
peer pressure situation where peers are seen to 'dare' a teen to do something dangerous,
often leads to death.
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3.1.4 Positive Peer Pressure-

Peer pressure is not always negative. Sometimes, it inculcates new hobbies, sporting
spirit, health conscience or a tireless determination to succeed in life amongst teenagers.
Positive peer pressure also can be seen in situations where a teen starts imbibing the
qualities of a person he has never directly met such as from an idol worship.

3.1.5 Adult Peer Pressure-

A subtype of peer pressure, it has been observed amongst working professionals. An

adult mind is not as easily impressionable as that of a teenager. However, adults are often
seen turning to drinking or smoking habits after their peers suggest that these are the best
remedies to relieve oneself of personal and work related stress. Similarly, adults have
been known to turn corrupt after they have seen their seniors at work accept a bribe.
Often, youngsters who start a new career make mistakes of spending excessively on
costly products like mobile phones or avail of a huge loan to buy a new vehicle because
of spoken or unspoken peer pressure to be like their professional counterparts. At such
times, one needs to think rationally and make a conscious choice between right and
wrong. It is quite natural to feel materialistic. However, it is best to purchase assets after
carefully planning your finances.

4. POSITIVE & NEGATIVE PEER PRESSURE-

Peer pressure is the phenomenon wherein we tend to get influenced by the lifestyles and
the ways of thinking of our peers. Peer pressure can prove beneficial but it is most often
observed to have negative effects on society. What is negative peer pressure? What is
positive peer pressure? How do does it affect the teenagers?

The thoughts, behavior and tastes of fashion, music, television and other walks of life of
the masses are often seen having a deep impact on the living of the society. We tend to
get influenced by the lifestyles of our peer group. The changing ways of life of our peers
often force us to change our ways of looking at life and leading it. It’s a human tendency
to do what the crowd does. Few have the courage to resist the peer pressure and be their
own selves rather than being one among the lot. Peer pressure is bound to affect most of
us, both, positively and negatively. The distinction between positive and negative peer
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pressure lies in a thoughtful analysis of the views of the masses. Following your peers
blindly leaves a negative impact on your life while an analytical approach of looking at
peer behavior can act positively. Let us look at the positive and negative effects of peer
pressure.

4.1 Negative Effects of Peer Pressure-

When you do not like a particular idea or when you have no inclination towards a
particular field, it is obvious that you won't like to go by it. For sure, you won't like to go
that way. But it is you peer group, which may compel you on doing something you hate.
In such cases, there are chances that you won't do well in those things. Things you do not
enjoy doing cannot fetch you success. You cannot emerge successful in something you
have never liked doing. So, it is important that you do not lose happiness of your life by
succumbing to peer pressure.

Many a time, it so happens, that we are forced to lead a certain kind of lifestyle due to
peer pressure. You may not like partying on every weekend, you may not like night outs
with friends, you may hate drinking or smoking, but peer pressure may make you do all
that you had never wished to. There are many teenagers who experience great pressure
from their peer group that forces them to take to drinking. You may take to something as
grave as drug use, and that too, only because of peer pressure. In such cases, being overly
pressurized by you peers can be detrimental to your living. Some teenagers literally spoil
their lives by giving in to peer pressure.

Peer pressure can lead to a loss of individuality. Extreme peer pressure may lead you to
follow what your peers feel right. Their pressure may compel you to go by everything
they think right. You tend to blindly imitate the masses; you adopt their tastes of fashion,
clothing, hair, music and general living. Peer pressure can actually lead you to lose you
tastes of life and force yourself to begin liking what they like. Peer pressure is the human
tendency to join the bandwagon, in which, the person loses his/her original way of
looking at life.

4.2 Positive Effects of Peer Pressure-

Peer pressure is not always bad. It can help you analyze yourself and contemplate on your
ways of life. Some of the practices that the masses follow may actually teach you the way
of living. You may be able to change yourself for the better. Looking at what others do,
can help you bring about a positive change in your way of thinking. If you can pick
selectively, peer pressure can actually result in a positive change in your way of life.
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Knowing what the masses follow exposes you to the world outside your home. You
understand the things going on around you. You are exposed to a wide variety in human
behavior. Exposure to peer pressure gives you an opportunity to think about their tastes
and their outlooks towards life. It gives you a chance to choose the best from what the
masses do.

If you are fortunate to get a good peer group, your peers can play a vital role in the
shaping of your personality. Their way of looking at life may influence you to change for
betterment. Some of your peers are your close friends, who do not pressurize you to do
things but rather inspire you to change yourself. Your peer group may actually persuade
you to bring about a constructive change in your personality. Peer pressure can lead you
to make the right choices in life.

5. COMMON EXAMPLES OF PEER PRESSURE-

Here Are Some Examples of both negative and postive peer pressure, its consequences
and the effects it can have on teenagers.

5.1 Negative Peer Pressure-

Underage Drinking – The consequences to underage drinking is getting aressted,

Having social problems, Long Term Effects on your brain, And Physical problems
because drinking alcohol can cause you to get sick such as Alcohol Poisoning and
potentialy dying from that.

Underage Smoking – The consequences to underage Smoking is developing Heart

Disease, leukemia, and the most important one is The development of lung cancer.

Pressure to Steal – The consequences to Stealing is Of course going to jail. And also
Stealing can change how people value you as a person. It can give people negative
thoughts about you. And also this can go on your Permanent Record.

Pressure to Fight/ Physically Harming Someone – The consequences to Fighting or

Physically Harming someone is this could lead to going to jail for assault, or Killing
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someone Which could mean going jail for a very long time. And if you are pressured to
fight someone at school that could lead to getting suspended.

Pressure to have Sex – Having sex before you are ready to can lead to pregnancy and
S.T.D’s especially if you weren’t properly prepared. Most importantly it can affect you
emotionally.

5.2 Positive Peer Pressure-

Pressure to get into College – Getting pressured to get into college can have a positive
effect on you. It can encourage you to figure out what you want to do with your future, It
can encourage you to get your grades up and make a plan for yourself.

Pressure to come to School on time – Getting pressured to come to school on time can
teach you alot of values. Such as being on time in the future for jobs and stuff.

Pressure to Join School Activities – Being Pressured to Join School Activities can be
positive because it will teach you to become more social by making more friends. Also a
lot of school activities looks good on college application. And Joining school activities
keeps you out of trouble.

Pressure to Follow the Rules – Being Pressured to follow the rules is positive because
Following the rules Keeps you out of trouble, It helps you keep your mind focused on the
positive things, and If you follow all the rules you will be rewarded later in life.

Pressure To Respect Others – Respecting others can get you very far in life and this is
positive because if you respect others in return they will respect you. (“Treat others the
way you want to be treated” ). Also If you have alot of respect for others, People will
have a positive view of you.

A Scholastic article says about it:

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Peer Pressure: Its Influence on Teens and

Decision Making

Say you're sitting around with some friends playing video games and someone
mentions a particular game that happens to be one of your favorites. "Oh, that game's
easy. So not worth the time," one of your friends says dismissively. The others agree.
Inwardly, you know that it is a game you happen to enjoy quite a lot but, outwardly, not
wanting to debate the issue, you go along with the crowd.

You have just experienced what is commonly referred to as peer pressure. It is

probably more accurate to refer to this as peer influence, or social influence to adopt a
particular type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be accepted as part of a group of
your equals ("peers"). As a teen, it's likely you've experienced the effect of peer influence
in a number of different areas, ranging from the clothes you wear to the music you listen
to.

Peer influence is not necessarily a bad thing. We are all influenced by our peers,
both negatively and positively, at any age. For teens, as school and other activities take
you away from home, you may spend more time with your friends than you do with your
parents and siblings. As you become more independent, your peers naturally play a
greater role in your life. Sometimes, though, particularly in emotional situations, peer
influence can be hard to resist—it really has become "pressure"—and you may feel
compelled to do something you're uncomfortable with.

What scientific research tells us about peer influence

"There are two main features that seem to distinguish teenagers from adults in their
decision making," says Laurence Steinberg, a researcher at Temple University in
Philadelphia. "During early adolescence in particular, teenagers are drawn to the
immediate rewards of a potential choice and are less attentive to the possible risks.
Second, teenagers in general are still learning to control their impulses, to think ahead,
and to resist pressure from others." These skills develop gradually, as a teen's ability to
control his or her behavior gets better throughout adolescence.

According to Dr. B. J. Casey from the Weill Medical College of Cornell

University, teens are very quick and accurate in making judgments and decisions on their
own and in situations where they have time to think. However, when they have to make
decisions in the heat of the moment or in social situations, their decisions are often
influenced by external factors like peers. In a study funded by the National Institute on
Drug Abuse (NIDA), teen volunteers played a video driving game, either alone or with
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friends watching. What the researchers discovered was that the number of risks teens
took in the driving game more than doubled when their friends were watching as
compared to when the teens played the game alone. This outcome indicates that teens
may find it more difficult to control impulsive or risky behaviors when their friends are
around, or in situations that are emotionally charged.

The positive side

While it can be hard for teens to resist peer influence sometimes, especially in the
heat of the moment, it can also have a positive effect. Just as people can influence others
to make negative choices, they can also influence them to make positive ones. A teen
might join a volunteer project because all of his or her friends are doing it, or get good
grades because the social group he or she belongs to thinks getting good grades is
important. In fact, friends often encourage each other to study, try out for sports, or
follow new artistic interests.

In this way, peer influence can lead teens to engage in new activities that can help
build strong pathways in the brain. As described in the article "Teens and Decision
Making: What Brain Science Reveals," neural connections that are weak or seldom used
are removed during adolescence through a process called synaptic pruning, allowing the
brain to redirect precious resources toward more active connections. This means that
teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in, to shape
their own brain development. Therefore, skill-building activities—such as those physical,
learning, and creative endeavors that teens are often encouraged to try through positive
peer influence—not only provide stimulating challenges, but can simultaneously build
strong pathways in the brain.
While we are constantly influenced by those around us, ultimately the decision to
act (or not to act) is up to us as individuals. So when it comes to decision making, the
choice is up to you.

6. HOW TO PREVENT PEER PRESSURE-

Peer pressure is not always a bad thing– sometimes your friends influence can be a good
thing– they might, for instance, stop you from doing something stupid that you’ll regret
later. But if you’re doing/not doing something because you’re trying to fit in, but it’s not
sitting well with you, then it’s not a positive thing.
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Some ways you can try and navigate peer pressure include:

 Value common interests. Try and hang out with people who do like doing similar stuff
to you. It sounds obvious, but you’re less likely to feel pressured to do things you don’t
want to
 Say no. If you’re finding it hard to work up the guts to say no to something, you should
know that sticking up for what you believe in feels really good. If you can explain to
people in a calm way why something‘s not for you, more often than not, you’ll gain their
respect.
 Try not to judge others. Respecting someone else’s choice may help them respect
yours. People don’t have to agree on everything, and understanding that’s ok will mean
both parties are likely to be less defensive about their choices.

The following are some tips to help kids deal with peer pressure:
 Stay away from peers who pressure you to do things that seem wrong or dangerous.
 Learn how to say "no," and practice how to avoid or get out of situations which feel
unsafe or uncomfortable.
 Spend time with other kids who resist peer pressure. It helps to have at least one friend
who is also willing to say "no."
 If you have problems with peer pressure, talk to a grown up you trust, like a parent,
teacher or school counselor.
Parents can also help by recognizing when their child is having a problem with peer
pressure. The following are tips for parents to help your child deal with peer pressure:
 Encourage open and honest communication. Let kids know they can come to you if
they're feeling pressure to do things that seem wrong or risky.
 Teach your child to be assertive and to resist getting involved in dangerous or
inappropriate situations or activities.
 Get to know your child's friends. If issues or problems arise, share your concerns with
their parents.
 Help your child develop self-confidence. Kids who feel good about themselves are less
vulnerable to peer pressure.
 Develop backup plans to help kids get out of uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
For example, let them know you'll always come get them, no questions asked, if they
feel worried or unsafe.
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If your child has ongoing difficulties with peer pressure, talk to his or her teacher,
principal, school counselor or family doctor. If you have questions or concerns about
your child's mood, self-esteem or behavior, consider a consultation with a trained and
qualified mental health professional.

CONCLUSION-

Some of best ways to reduce or get rid of peer pressure is to teach your children at a very
young age, to make rational decisions on their own. When a person can identify the
negative implications of getting influenced by his peers, only then will he be able to
protect himself. Parents need to ensure that their children are made to feel special and
unique. A child should be made to understand that his unique qualities make him the
person that he is and it is not required to behave like any of his peers. Parents may
support new positive friendships and shield their children against negative ones. Lastly,
bridging the communication gap between the parents and teenagers is the most effective
tool against peer pressure.
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REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY-

www.google.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and.../Peer_Pressure_104.aspx

www.addictions.about.com › About Health › Addictions › Addictive

Behaviors
www.kidshelp.com.au/teens/get-info/hot-topics/peer-pressure.php

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-peer-pressure.html
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