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Peer Pressure or Peer Learning – Celebrating our Diversity

22 Jul 2022
- admin
Peer Pressure. When we hear the phrase ‘peer pressure’ we often think back to grade school. We might think of the pressure children and adolescents feel to fit in or appear cool. The phrase may even evoke images of a group of kids cruelly pressuring another kid to do something he or she doesn’t want to do, such as drinking or drugs. But does this pressure carry on into adulthood? How can it be resisted? What mechanisms are responsible for it, and can it be a positive force?

Although peer pressure is often referred to negatively, it is not the case always. Depending on the outcome, peer pressure can be classified as positive and negative. If the youth is convinced to do or adapt to something which turns out to benefit or help them grow healthily, the peer pressure is said to be positive. On the other hand, if he/she is convinced to do something that leads them on a path which is bound to be hazardous for them in one way or the other, the peer pressure is said to be negative.

For instance, if your group of peers encourage you to be a better person than you were yesterday, they truly are worth your time. A positive impact of peer pressure can be seen in a couple of ways. Your peers could be scoring very well and if the competition is taken positively, it could result in you working harder towards achieving your best. We must be a strong believer in our do’s and don’ts. Very common examples of don’ts when it comes to peer pressure are smoking and drinking. Apart from that, today’s generation needs to understand the need of abstaining themselves from a couple more things such as being a bully to fit into their so-called ‘cool group’, taking those things lightly which they initially took on a quite serious note, losing themselves in the process of appealing peers around and above all, making decisions and choices based on other’s views. Taking suggestions are not bad but opposing your own heart and mind to live up to their expectations is absurd. One must know how to choose between what’s right and what’s wrong for himself.

Basically, Peer pressure plays an important role in the social and emotional development of students. It helps a person to have a better understanding of his/her opinions and feelings and hence, it increases their social skills. It is important to remember that it is not something permanent because it is completely your choice to make as to who you keep in your social circle and who you don’t. Even if one makes an unhealthy choice, it is never too late if he/she wishes to get back on track and start over.

We at SOIL, believe that peer learning is an important aspect of management education & encourage everyone to celebrate their uniqueness. That is what Diversity stands for – taking the time to appreciate the uniqueness of each person, for the sake of the collective good.

I call my diverse PGDM class a melting pot! When it comes to case study discussions or class projects, I believe that learning from the perspectives of people from different backgrounds and way of thinking is very important. Each interaction leaves me with more knowledge than before.

Minakshi Chatterjee
PGDM, Class of 2023
Public Relations Officer – Student Council