Question

During adolescence, a peer group is of a small group of five to seven good friends, who are called

• A. Crowd
• B. Best friends
• C. Cliques
• D. Chums

Hint:

Adolescent Peer Structures:
Clique = Small, intimate friendship group (5--7 members).
Crowd = Large, reputation-based group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Adolescent peer group socialization structures are classified into intimate close-knit cliques and broad reputation-based crowds.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Developmental sociologists categorize adolescent peer groups into:
1. Cliques: Small, cohesive, intimate peer groups of 5 to 7 individuals who are close friends, share similar interests/values, spend frequent time together, and possess high internal group loyalty.
2. Crowds: Large, loosely organized, reputation-based or stereotyped collectives (e.g., 'jocks', 'brains', 'populars') that do not necessarily interact on an intimate basis.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, this small peer group is called Cliques, matching option (C).