PSYB32H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Social Comparison Theory, Anna Freud, Anti-Social Behaviour
Document Summary
Definition of a peer: webster"s new collegiate dictionary. A peer is one who is of equal standing with another: peers as social equals, or individuals who are operating at the same level of behavioural complexity as you. What functions do peers serve: same age or equal status peers. When children interact among agemates, children take on new roles, learn rules/lessons: mixed age interactions. Different age groups can be peers with each other if they adapt to the younger/older level. Older children usually possess more power/competence than other children. Mixed age groups are fixed in families older siblings will always be older siblings whereas mixed age groups can change in other environments. Asymmetry helps the child develop different competencies i. e. leadership, etc. Younger children can learn to ask for help, follow directions of more powerful others, learn from the behavior of older peers. Differences between mixed age and same age interactions: frequency of peer contacts.
