Definition

Noun: A peer group is a social group consisting of people who are approximately the same age, social status, and interests. Members of a peer group often influence each other's attitudes, behaviors, and development.

Usage

The term "peer group" is used to describe the immediate circle of equals with whom a person, especially a young person, regularly interacts and identifies. It is a key concept in sociology and psychology.

Examples

• Children and adolescents are highly influenced by their peer group.
• The study examined the effects of the peer group on academic performance.
• He felt pressure from his peer group to conform to their style of dress.

Advanced Usage

• "Peer group pressure" or "peer pressure": The direct influence exerted by a peer group on its individual members to encourage them to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms.
  • Resisting negative peer group pressure can be challenging for teenagers.

Variants and Related Words

• Peers (n): The individual members of a peer group; people of equal status.
  • She was respected by her peers for her honesty.
• Peer-to-peer (adj): Denoting a relationship or network between systems or individuals of equal status or capability.
  • The company uses a peer-to-peer file-sharing model.

Synonyms

• Contemporaries
• Cohort
• Equals
• Social circle

Antonyms

• Superiors
• Subordinates
• Authority figures

Related Phrases

• "To be accepted by one's peer group": To gain the approval and inclusion of one's equals.
  • His main goal was to be accepted by his new peer group at school.
• "Peer group dynamics": The patterns of interaction and influence within a group of equals.
  • The teacher studied the peer group dynamics in her classroom.

Noun

1. contemporaries of the same status