Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

The values of early adolescent peer groups are significantly influenced by social class background. Adolescents tend to form connections and establish their values based on similar social experiences and environments, which are closely tied to their social class. This shared background plays a pivotal role in shaping their perspectives, beliefs, and behaviors.

Social class can impact the resources available to adolescents, the types of community they belong to, and the societal expectations they encounter. For instance, individuals from higher social classes may have different recreational activities, educational opportunities, and lifestyle choices compared to those from lower social classes. These differences naturally lead to variations in peer group values and norms, as adolescents gravitate toward those who share similar life experiences and challenges.

In contrast, while individual personality traits, media consumption habits, and parental involvement may influence specific adolescents' behaviors or values, they do not collectively shape the broader peer group dynamic as effectively as social class background does. Therefore, social class serves as a foundational factor that underpins the interactions and values shared within early adolescent peer groups.