Peer Groups

one knows who they are drinking with and does not over drink, and does not put herself in the position to get

harmed; then, drinking is fine and harmless. The adult would disagree saying that by drinking not does one hurt

themselves physically, but when they are drunk they do not have control of what they do. However at the same time, he/she must try to conform to the values and

beliefs of the peer group to be able to fit in and hang out with them.

I believe that peer groups are so important in the American society because family is not greatly valued

by the culture. For example, adults have different

values and beliefs toward drinking alcohol . However, in the American society, family members are so busy with their jobs and life

outside of the house that they do not have much time to dedicate to their children, who come to spend much of

their time with their friends and rely on their friends for advice and support. In the Japanese, Armenian, Mexican, and Persian cultures family is valued greatly. The would probably

say that drinking leads to serious medical problems as well. One way to gain independence from

authority is to form a youth subculture, which sometimes engages in conflicts with parents, teachers, and

church official because of the difference of attitude which they present. The elderly in the family rely on the other

members for support. so busy with their 9 to 5 jobs that they don’t get the chance to spend

much time with their children. For example, they teach

independence from authority, but at the same time conformity to the peer group.

Peers teach some important qualities that other agents of socialization can’t. Families

spend much time with one another and rely on each other for support.