Analysis of the Merits and Demerits of Peer Group

The question as to whether peer groups have been beneficial or detrimental is perhaps the one most pressing question that faces our society. In the work "Expository Essay on the Merits and Demerits of Peer Group" we research this relevant topic from different sides. A peer group is a crowd of people of approximately the same age, status and interests. Peer groups are like a pack of wolves, they protect, respect, love and are loyal to each other. For example, a group of students who share a common interest, such as Harry Potter are likely to become a peer group. The members of this clique are expected to influence the person’s beliefs and behaviour. Peer groups are generally identified as present during childhood. Do peer groups have a positive influence on young people? There are countless advantages of peer groups.

Firstly, peer groups have the ability to offer a great deal of support, help as well as protection. This is a distinct advantage for groups that are very close. In a time of need, these people will always be there to help and support you in your journey of life. Even though some groups may not have very close relationships, there are probably strong bonds between two individuals.

Also, if you are being bullied and harassed, your peers will be there to protect you at all costs. A good peer group can give you the validation and support you need to keep going and rise above the storms and negativity. Furthermore, peer groups can educate you, both academically and disciplinary. Getting connected with a good group can accelerate your learning, provide key perspicacity, help you find important resources, and teach you life lessons. For example, if an average, laid-back student starts to hang out with a group of highly ambitious students, chances are, his grades will improve dramatically. On the other hand, peer groups can have a negative influence on you. The most recognizable disadvantage of peer groups is the peer pressure. This occurs when a person is indirectly driven to participate in a certain activity or behave in a particular manner that the individual finds unacceptable. However, this person does this as he wants to match his peers’ character and doesn’t want to be left out. This will, in turn, alter his personality negatively and it leads him down the wrong path. In Lord of the flies, peer pressure is a major cause for the boys' cruelty. They were influenced to take part in activities, such as killing the pig. Moreover, peer groups might lead to people being rejected and feeling left out. Rejection occurs when the person tries to join the peer group. Denial leads to several negative emotions including resentment, dislike or in the worst cases of depression.

The person will be left out and this will make them feel isolated and lower their self-esteem. Refusal will make the individual more vulnerable. There are numerous positive aspects of peer groups. Peer groups can help individuals discover themselves. The development of ones' identity is an important role in an individual’s growth. This process occurs throughout one's entire life. This can be clearly observed by looking at society. People are constantly changing and this is mainly because of peer groups. In a group, you will slowly learn more about the people present in your crowd. They will inform you about their interests such as a certain book or a sport. Once you get home, you read that book or play that sport. In turn, you might discover that you love books and become an avid reader or you might discover that you are splendid at a particular sport. Having peer groups, you meet people that you can fully trust and rely on. Peer groups will help you step out of your comfort zone by undergoing astounding experiences and therefore, you live life to the fullest. However, this only works if it is with a positive mindset and influence as it can be negative and therefore harmful.

However, there are several disadvantages of peer groups. Having been in a clique, you become less social. This is due to the fact that you will only talk to your peers and you won't communicate with your other classmates. This will decrease your social skills. When you change school or go to college, it will be much harder for you to make friends. This will, in turn, lead you to be more isolated and insular. Your culture and knowledge of the world will be limited as you only talk with a certain amount of people. In addition, peer groups can lead to bullying. This can be bullying within the group or harassing people outside of the group. The clique is strong and they will find someone more vulnerable to bully. There is a clear representation of this in Lord of the Flies. Piggy is constantly being bullied by the other boys as he is more vulnerable and civilised.

In conclusion, Peers are a pervasive aspect of our social life. They entail a broad range of people who surround us in our everyday lives from early childhood until old age. Peer groups have, beyond doubt, an influence on students. Peer groups can have a positive influence and help young people. However, it can be prejudicial, poisonous or even pernicious. This is clearly demonstrated in Lord of the Flies. In my opinion, I believe that peer groups can have a positive influence on students and young people if you are surrounded by the correct people. However, they can have a negative influence on you, if you are associated with toxic people. Therefore, you must be careful as to who is in your peer group and if it will harm or benefit you. The peer group you belong to can drastically change your life and it is up to you as to whether it will affect you negatively or positively. Like Tony Robbins once said, “Most people’s lives are a direct reflection of their peer groups”.