Peer PressureThe definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.
- Toni Morrison The game of peer pressure - Heads, you win. Tails, I lose. |
Kaleidoscope on Peer Pressure
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This classic conformity study in the 1950s by Solomon Asch, was a series of experiments that studied an extent to which a social pressure from majority of a group could influence an individual to conform and how this impacts beliefs and opinions.
It is interesting to see how a simple and objective vision test with an obviously right answer can put people in a fix when all the rest in the group swing the other way. *4min |
'We are losing our children to peers.' Noted Developmental Psychologist Gordon Neufeld in this talk summarizes his work and book - Hold on to Your Kids, Why Parents Need to Matter More than Peers - on 'peer orientation' and attachment.
A must watch for all parents to understand their role in their child's life and regain confidence for raising children to their truest human potential. *1hr40min |
One Simple Skill to Overcome Peer Pressure - well as straight as that. Watch this video by the Behavioral Science Guys - as they call themselves will give, in gist, the essence of peer pressure - the why, how and what of it. While one cannot stand up against all in the group, the power of one - yes just one person raising a polite doubt - can turn the rest of the group from zombies into thinkers,
*5 min |
Explore Further
Interested in exploring more? Here is Kaleidoscope’s Playlist of talks on the topic of peer pressure, from very relevant to distantly related in the big picture.
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Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Should Matter More than Peers by Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Gabor Mate
This parenting classic on one of the most disturbing and misunderstood trends of our time--peers replacing parents in the lives of children--is now more relevant than ever. The latest edition includes new material on how social media and video game culture are affecting our children, and what parents can do. |
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The Sneetches by Dr. Suess
This simple picture book much loved children's author Dr. Suess is a great read aloud book and a sure conversation starter. It also, in an entertaining way brings out the economics and commerce that flourishes on peer pressure. '...until neither the Plain nor the Star-Bellies knew whether this one was that one... or that one was this one... or which one was what one... or what one was who.' This - wanting to fit in or to stand out - continues until the Sneetches are penniless and McBean departs as a rich man, amused by their folly. |
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How To Be A Non-Conformist by Elissa Jan Karg
In this satirical look at 'standing-out', the author offers 22 rules for becoming “a bona fide nonconformist,” poking fun at so many archetypes still strikingly prevalent — perhaps even amplified — today. What is further interesting is the fact that Karg was only 16 when she penned this classic in 1968. The book, made of charming black-and-white drawings and hand-lettered text, originally appeared in her school newspaper and was later published by Scholastic. |
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Wonder by R J Palacio
Wonder is a children's novel about a fifth grade boy with an extremely rare medical facial difference. A moving, uplifting tale about a disfigured boy with inner beauty, this book explores themes at the root of peer pressure like prejudices, bullying and also friendship and self acceptance. Wonder has been a best seller for five years and is now adapted into a movie by the same name. |
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One by Kathryn Otoshi
Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count. Through this colorful and simple picture book, Otoshi cleverly offers a way to talk to even very young children about the subject of bullying and helps put their imaginations to work on solutions. |
The Animal School
A simple yet profound story you can read aloud to your children. It questions the concept of broad-based education and brings out loud and clear individual strengths and gifts that need to be celebrated.
Whose Choice Is It Anyway
Have you ever been nagged by your 3-year-old into eating junk at a fast food joint because of a special toy that comes with the meal? Has your 4-year-old outwitted you in negotiations for a ‘princess themed birthday party’ costing thousands of dollars? Did you 'have to' buy an iPhone for your 'tween' just because all her friends have one? Have you asked your 12-year-old for an opinion on a brand of car to buy, and then actually bought that brand? Have you gifted your teenager the power of credit card yet?
Choose Your Way To Happiness
Everyone is different. Each of us has a different need, different taste.
And hence ‘one size fits all’ does not work. Gone are the days when ‘you could have the car of your choice, as long as it was black,’ as Henry Ford had famously said.
But also think about this - gone are the days when we got our dresses made, or furniture, or shoes, or houses. Now in today’s ‘supermarket’ age, all we need to do is ‘make a choice’ from the thousands of options available in the market from everything - food to furniture, clothes to houses, investment options to loans, even holidays and travel.
And hence ‘one size fits all’ does not work. Gone are the days when ‘you could have the car of your choice, as long as it was black,’ as Henry Ford had famously said.
But also think about this - gone are the days when we got our dresses made, or furniture, or shoes, or houses. Now in today’s ‘supermarket’ age, all we need to do is ‘make a choice’ from the thousands of options available in the market from everything - food to furniture, clothes to houses, investment options to loans, even holidays and travel.
Popular Culture Songs
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