Cliques
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Wikipedia-Article "Cliques"
- This article is about social groups, for other uses see Clique (disambiguation).
A clique is an informal and restricted social group formed by a number of people who share common interests - formal social groups are referred to as societies or organisations. Cliques are most notably found amongst groups of teenagers, primarily in high schools and colleges, but also in other similar environments. In a general manner, cliques are more prominent amongst females.
Cliques at times have complex structures, and characteristics tend to differ between one another. However, one characteristic which is common to all cliques is the existence of a defined power structure, generally comprised of a leader (or a few leaders), followers (refer to the article on leadership) and pariahs. Thus, it is inaccurate to describe all social groups of teenagers as cliques, as often said groups do not have any particular power structure.
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Structure
Social roles within cliques vary, but two roles commonly associated with female cliques are notably applicable to most cliques - that of the "queen bee" and that of the "outcast".
Queen bee
The queen bee is the clique's leader. Characteristics often associated to her are a pleasant appearance, charisma, skill in manipulation and monetary power. The queen bee has substantial influence and power over the clique, and is usually envied and looked upon as a role model by clique members and at times by outsiders to the clique. Her actions are closely followed and imitated, even though they may not be of a positive nature.
With this, the social role of the "outcast" is defined, as individuals that the queen bee dislikes may be classified by her as such, thus encouraging clique members to victimize the outcast, in order to continue to be part of the clique or to receive praise from the queen bee.
In most cliques there is, at least to some degree, a power struggle for the position of the queen bee. Hence, the clique's leader might change from time to time, for example due to a member (or non-member) exceeding the queen bee's abilities and thus attracting followers of the old clique leader. Outside influences may also act upon the social structure of the clique, such as changing interests or increasing maturity among clique members.
Outcast
The outcast is a person who does not fit into any specific clique, and as such, at times faces physical and psychological aggression from clique members. It is not common for witnesses to defend an outcast, as most fear being rejected and potentially becoming an outcast themselves.
Ultimately, most of the damage an outcast receives is psychological. Feelings of isolation and enmity may result into the outcast developing clinical depression, psychological trauma and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. Outcasts may have difficulty seeking help from an adult or relative, as a collective impression that such an act is humiliating is present within adolescent social groups in general. It is plausible to assume that clique members themselves create this impression, in order to avoid being confronted by adults.
Arguments for and against cliques
For
It may be enjoyable to be part of a clique, as members are regularly involved in social and recreational activities, such as going out together. Clique members may also forge closer and more lasting friendships, as they socialise with each other more often and generally have common interests. It is also believed by some that being part of a clique creates a sense of belonging, and benefits the social skills of a person.
Against
Clique members may be influenced through peer pressure to engage in actions perceived by most as negative or damaging, such as smoking or drug use. Cliques may also be a source of distraction from studies, both for clique members and for the outcasts they victimize; outcasts may suffer long-term psychological damage resulting from the bullying they suffer. Arguments have been made that cliques have been responsible for tragedies such as the Columbine High School massacre.