Conformity and Youth
In terms of conforming to group norms the adolescent goes the much-maligned organization man one better. He or she conforms not nly to group 'dress and group behavior 'but also to group opinions Although the adolescent is becoming liberal and somewhat idealistic certain social attitudes, he or she is more conservative where age ates are concerned. They want to be different and to conform at the same time. This leads to the formation of "in groups" that are different from the outsiders. The gang wars in many of our large cities mhine the desire for togetherness with frustration and hatreds.
Whereas one adolescent may find a certain a..mount of security and ego satisfaction in a school situation, another youth, usually underprivileged by middle-class description, finds gangs. Frustrated people often identify readily with violence. In the gang, the adolescent can both be different and conform to gang conduct at the same time. It is important to remember, however, that numbers of adolescents are individualistic in many ways, despite their conforming behavior.
The desire to receive approval of the group sometimes leads the adolescent into trouble. With time, self-confidence increases and the urge for approval changes toward seeking recognition for effort expended. Until he feels accomplishment, reinforced by the recognition of others, the older male adolescent may switch his attentiongetting behavior from off-color jokes and clownishness to expressing radical points of view. It must be recognized that acceptance takes time. The female adolescent is a little more reserved in her social expression.
