In today’s society, teenagers in schools nationwide encounter a culture that encompasses social factions, including cliques and stereotypes.
Urban cliques consist of teens who have numerous relationships within a group relationship, with some relationships being closer than others. Families play a significant role within these cliques, distinguishing them from suburban schools and towns.
This can be beneficial in certain situations, particularly when teenagers are facing challenging choices and struggling with authority figures. It allows parents to reach out for assistance if they are having trouble understanding their teen’s emotions and thoughts. Some parents may have previous experience dealing with the transition into adulthood and can offer guidance to others. In a sense, parents of teenagers in cliques may form their own social group.
In numerous urban and suburban areas, public schools experience a phenomenon known as “social clumping” wherein different cliques interact with one another. This interaction leads to distinct variations in style, dress, appearance, and attitude. Consequently, these groups often become associated with certain stereotypes. It is common for suburban public schools to have a limited number of cliques spread across numerous groups.
Traditionally, stereotypes arise from various factors such as race, athletics, academics, and lifestyle. One common example is the formation of separate groups based on extracurricular activities, particularly athletics. These groups of friends interact primarily through sports, which leads to a separation from daily or seasonal interactions. Moreover, an individual who participates in contact sports and typically exhibits a certain attitude about that sport may be labeled as a “Jock.”
“In order to prevent issues arising from stereotypes that are closely related, like a student with long hair, unusual makeup, or any slightly unique attributes, they might unjustly be labeled as a ‘punk.’ In a large gathering, it is common knowledge who and what ‘hippies’ are. As a means of promoting individuality, school authorities make efforts to eliminate conflicts between different groups. Some schools enforce dress codes to regulate the level of acceptability in appearance among the general public.”
Schools attempt to create divisions within groups, cliques, or stereotypes, which creates difficulties within the classroom. Consequently, new cliques form among teenagers who are ostracized and regularly face consequences for their foolish errors. This is particularly challenging for individuals who have unintentionally deviated from the correct path and require guidance. Many urban schools witness an abundance of cliques where racial divisions are sometimes reinforced by stereotypes.
Divisions among various groups in society can arise from stereotypes, resulting in conflicts such as gang wars or violence between communities. Private schools possess a distinct culture characterized by stringent dress codes, rigorous academic expectations, a focus on sports and extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of pride akin to that of a family. Within regional private schools, the student body frequently comprises smaller cliques within a larger collective. The safer educational atmosphere at these institutions is attributed to the close bonds formed among students, which resemble sibling relationships rather than mere friendships or animosities.
The presence of cliques in a school can lead to new friendship opportunities and contribute positively to society. Trying to eliminate cliques, which are a natural part of human socialization, could divert attention from the fundamental purpose of high school for teenagers.
