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www.education.com

www.teenshealth.com

"Cliques" By Charlene C

"Girl Politics" By Nancy Rue

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www.merriam-webster.com

www.thefreedictionary.com

www.urbandictionary.com

www.definitions.com

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So with all the bullying, exclusion, and judgement that comes with being a part of a clique, why do we still subconsciously want to be accepted into them? It all comes down to acceptance. Cliques mainly take place in middle school and highschool, which is when we are going through mental and physical changes. We have yet to discover who we are, what are values are, and are not yet accepting of ourselves. Because of this, we look for acceptance from other places. Being accepted into a clique would be a kind of "security blanket", a promise that we would always be accepted.

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The Difference Between A "Clique" and A "Group of Friends"

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The Difference Between A "Clique" and A "Group of Friends"

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"Cliques are tight groups that usually have a strict code of membership and ways to act. Instead of being centered on shared values and beliefs, many cliques tend to focus on maintaining their status and popularity", said on www.teenshealth.com.

They go on to say that groups are different, in that they "can form around things people have in common. So jocks, goths, preps, skaters, and even the math club are naturally drawn together because they share similar interests. The people in these groups feel they have a place where they are welcome and supported, and where they can be themselves, quirks and all."

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According to www.education.com, "Two major forces are at work: first, the need to establish an identity, and second, the need for acceptance (approval) and belonging. Peers play a central role in the process of identity or self-development. The search for the self rests largely on comparing oneself to and distinguishing oneself from others by means of social comparison processes. One’s own identity becomes more distinct to the degree that it can be contrasted to that of another. Children who tend to dress, act, or otherwise express themselves in similar ways gravitate to each other. Together, they form a type of social group that provides some identity to its own members and a basis of comparison to, and for, others".

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Look at the definitions to the left. None are positive. Neither are most peoples views on cliques. Whether it be in the movies, in songs, or even in day to day conversation, cliques are looked upon as exclusive and problem causing. We are warned about them by our parents, teachers, and peers, yet we still secretly wish we were a part of them. We talk as though we look down upon cliques when actually we worship them and hope to be included. Why?

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1) A small group of people who spend time together and who are not friendly to other people

2) A small exclusive group of friends or associates.

3) A group, typically of teens, who exclude all who don't fit into their stereotypical image of perfection, and conform to all the rules of this "perfection". Often think they are showing outstanding originality and individuality, when they are in fact exactly the same. And this is the same for all subcultures. Usually hate "opposing" clique for no good reason other than they perceive/have been told that this is the right thing to do. Like to label people, so they don't have to regard each human as an individual.

4) A group of people (usually girls) who cling to each other constantly, share goss, and generally bash everyone who doesn't belong with them.

Definitions From:

1) www.merriam-webster.com

2) www.thefreedictionary.com

3) www.urbandictionary.com

4) www.definitions.com