Social Science Adolescence & Stranger Things

IUB Social Science Adolescence & Stranger Things Discussion Questions

Find a clip of a teenager to evaluate – could be from a movie, a show, whatever’s trending on Netflix – doesn’t matter.  But I’d recommend that you select a show that you’re already familiar with as that will make this assignment easier for you.  The clip doesn’t need to be long, nor does the clip need to stand alone as you answer the questions below (for example, if you’ve seen the entire High School Musical series, you can answer the questions below with one of the characters in mind – and just find a clip online that may highlight the character).  

After reading the first section of Chapter 9, evaluate the character from your clip/show/clip.  Then respond to the following questions:

1. What is the URL of your clip? (If you can find one)
2. What is the name of the show/film you’ve selected? What is the name of the character you’ve selected?
3. Briefly describe the adolescent character who you are evaluating: What role do peers and friends play in his or her life? How much or little does this adolescent need to be liked and accepted by his/her friends and larger peer group?
4. How does this individual’s peer group impact him or her? Positively or negatively? (Check out pages 297 & 298 for more info)
5. What type of peer pressure exists for this individual?
6. What are the peer statuses (from page 300) and how do you think the show portrays sociometric status/popularity?
7. What are some examples of social or emotional intelligence (or the lack of thereof) that this individual demonstrates? (Check out page 301 for more info).
8. What are some functions of friendship that this individual’s friends serve? (Check out page 303 for more info).
9. How does gender play a role in this individual’s peer group and friendships? (Check out page 310 for more info).
10. How does socioeconomic status and ethnicity play a role in this individual’s peer group and friendships? (Check out page 311 for more info).