Clique

A clique (AusE, CanE, UK: /ˈklk/ or US: /ˈklɪk/; French: [klik]), in the social sciences, is a small group of individuals who interact with one another and share similar interests rather than include others.[1] Interacting with cliques is part of normative social development regardless of gender, ethnicity, or popularity. Although cliques are most commonly studied during adolescence and middle childhood development, they exist in all age groups. They are often bound together by shared social characteristics such as ethnicity and socioeconomic status.[2] Examples of common or stereotypical adolescent cliques include athletes, nerds, and "outsiders".[3]

Typically, people in a clique will not have a completely open friend group and can, therefore, "ban" members if they do something considered unacceptable, such as talking to someone disliked. Some cliques tend to isolate themselves as a group and view themselves as superior to others, which can be demonstrated through bullying and other antisocial behaviors.[4]

  1. ^ Salkind, Neil (2008-01-01). "Cliques". Encyclopedia of educational psychology. Sage Publications. pp. 150–152. doi:10.4135/9781412963848. ISBN 9781412916882.
  2. ^ Labrum, Chris. "Cliques: Poverty & Prejudice: Gangs of All Colors". EDGE. Archived from the original on 12 July 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  3. ^ Kelly, J. (2012, March 8). Some of the more common types of cliques found include: jocks, cheerleaders, mean girls, foreigners, gamers, sluts, hipsters, hippies, arty intellectuals, gangsters, stoners/slackers, scenesters, punks, preps, skaters, goths, emos, skinheads, geeks/nerds, athletic girls, "cool kids," and drifters. 10 Types of Teens: A Field Guide to Teenagers. TLC Family. Retrieved October 31, 2012
  4. ^ "Peer Relationships | Adolescent Psychology". courses.lumenlearning.com. Retrieved 2021-09-08.