While observing middle school, high school and college age students at a local mall, I was taken aback by the differences in styles and attitudes from when I attended those various levels of education. I observed and noted many attributes and behaviors of these various peer groups and notice some similarities and some differences between each group. The peer group, which consists of friends who are of approximately the same age and social status, is one of the most important institutions for shaping a child’s social behavior (Webb, Cite).
Although some social stereotypes where confirmed, others where surprisingly disproved. The first behavior that I studied was the communication styles and verbiage of each peer group. The most glaring similarity that I found amongst most of the students I observed was the improper use of the English language. The word that was used incorrectly the most was the word “like. ” It was used in almost every sentence that was spoken between the different peer groups and almost every time it was spoken it was said between words i. e. I was like… and he was like…” This form of communication has spanned a generation, however because this misuse was very common when I was growing up and progressively weakened as I aged.
The other form of communication that I observed was that of the text message. I was surprised by how much each peer group used texting to communicate with each other. I observed that text messaging has replaced normal conversation amongst every age group. Generations have been dealing with changes in technology for decades but the integration of the cell phone into our society has dramatically changed the way that children communicate between each other.
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The Year 1837 was very significant. It was not only the year that Queen Victoria acceded the throne, but also the year that a new literary age was coined. The Victorian Age, more formally known, was a time of great prosperity in Great Britain's literature. The Victorian Age produced a variety of changes. Political and social reform produced a variety of reading among all classes. The lower-class ...
The second observation that I noted was that of the interpersonal skills that each peer group demonstrated. The younger the children, the more physical interactions took place. The younger boys would rough house with each other whereas the older boys tended to interact using verbal or technological (texting) means. It seemed that each peer group lacks the more basic social/interpersonal skills that were more common to me as a child. I attest this to the use of technology as a means of communication rather than face to face conversations.
The next observation I made was to document the types of discussions that each peer group were involved in. Across each group, most conversations were tied to the social calendar that each group was following. However, I did observe some of the college students discussing the issue of the convicted murderer who was recently released so that he may be retried. This is a hot topic issue in our community and I was surprised to find some adolescents having a serious discussion on this particular issue. The final observation was that of each peer group’s attitudes, attire and body art.
This area was very random due to the different social groups that were observed. There was a large group of teenage girls that were congregating in the food court of the mall that were observed as very bubbly and seemed to be very carefree. As soon as a small group of teenagers that were dressed in the “emo” style (black clothes, many piercings, and tight jeans) moved into the food court, the mood of the teenage girls changed to a more subdued attitude. They become quiet and left their seats soon after the other group sat in the same vicinity.
This was a very stereotypical judgment against these teens that were no different save their outward appearance. These teens sat down and began a bible study amongst the group. The observation of these students body art was difficult due to the fact that it is winter in Montana and most people were pretty bundled up. I did, however, observe many of the teenage girls having numerous piercing not only in their ears but in the faces, lips and noses. In observing today’s teenage students in a social setting, I found many similarities to my youth but also many glaring differences.
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I decided for my social observation the mall would be a good place to start. I came there on a Friday evening when there should be plenty of people to watch. I also sat in the Barnes and Noble cafe after that to observe. I expected to see a lot of people shopping and conversing. A few things did stand out to me within the few hours I was there. Some things I didn’t expect to see. We are expected ...
I did observe some of the adults that interacted with these students as well and noted that many of the older generations gave long, disapproving glances to the students with numerous piercings and outlandish attire. I was discouraged by this behavior because we live in a society that allows us the freedom of expression and I have always felt that a person should be judged not by their appearance but the content of their character. I do feel that this activity has given me a better view of the student body that is prevalent in my community.
