Random reflections on peer pressure

Disclaimer : This post is based upon the wisdom drawn from my experiences during university and IPS training in SVPNPA. I am not a professional psychologist or psychiatrist and hence my observations are independent of academic literature on the subject and also they pertain entirely to Indian context.

Peer means persons connected to each others through some or the other attribute usually age, sex, school/college, hobby, profession. We spend a lot of time with our peer group. It constitutes the social matrix within which we think, act and take decisions. Naturally, all our actions are influenced by the reactions of our peers because generally humans want to minimize their criticism and want to remain part of the cherished group by being acceptable to group members. Thus peer group affects the decision making process of the group members positively or negatively. This influence can prove to be positive or negative for the individual depending upon the nature of peer group. However, often it leads to undesirable and at times disastrous consequences for the individual and it is against such consequences that one has to guard against.

During my school and university days, there was an unwritten code of conduct according to which student community has to direct their behavior. Asking questions and taking active participation in the classroom was looked down upon and anyone doing this would  render oneself liable to attacks and ridicule. Special words with derogatory connotations were reserved for them making them conscious and creating inhibitions in them. As most of the students were uninterested in the subject being taught, writ of the majority would run making the stated goal of academic excellence a far-fetched one. The psychological pressure imposed on respectable minority by ruthless majority to fall in line was enormous. Often majority would argue that they had to suffer because of the miniscule minority. Same is partly true in the training of bureaucrats. The word "KTP" referring to "Keen Type Probationer" accompanying with not so obvious but detracting and contemptuous connotation is often used to describe someone who is really enthusiastic about the training. This leads to slow decaying of his enthusiasm and erosion of confidence. One feels let down by the peer group. A mediocrity in academia, industry and govt is one consequence of this negative peer group influence. This mediocrity further fuels more mediocrity and a culture of mediocrity comes into existence making it a vicious cycle.

Despite this, a few manage to withstand the negative pressure without deviating from the respectable path they have chosen for themselves. High degree of inner strength is required to pursue what they think is right. Maintaining independence of thought and action without wavering to undue pressure is a characteristic style of an effective leader. Such people become high achievers in life and they are few in number. Thus it is not narrow technical intelligence which is the source of reaching the pinnacle of success but rather nurturing multiple intelligence which inter-alia includes emotional intelligence that separates the leader from the crowd.

At this juncture I am hasten to add that peer group influence need not necessarily be negative. Sometimes constant but soft nudging by peer group towards the members keeps the momentum of the group going towards their stated goals. Group members share their unique experience, habits and viewpoints causing others to see the same thing in new light. These peer groups become the fountain head of innovation and furthers the civilization.

Thus it is important to choose ( if at all we have a choice ! ) the right peer group which can push us towards realizing our true potential because a negative peer group would kill our innate desire of excellence and achievement.