Clique

A clique (AusE, CanE, UK /ˈkliːk/ or US /ˈklɪk/), in the social sciences, is a group of individuals who interact with one another and share similar interests. 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. Typically, people in a clique will not have a complete open friend group, and can therefore "ban" members of the clique if they do something that is considered unacceptable, such as talking to someone generally disliked by the clique. People that are part of a clique are bonded together through shared and similar social characteristics such as race, ethnicity, economic status and physical appearance.

Being part of a clique is usually seen as a norm in society regardless of status. Cliques are most likely prevalent during teenage years, but are found in other age groups. Cliques may be formed among, for example, athletes, nerds, workmates, fraternities, sororities and cheerleaders. Cohesive factors may include ethnicity, similar interest and physical appearance. Members of a clique often isolate themselves as a group and tend to view the clique as superior to anyone outside the clique.

Within the concepts of sociology, cliques are a formation of two or more individuals who share bonding characteristics that allow for them to identify with one another to form a social network. Those within the group communicate and associate with each other more so than with those outside of the group. The formation of cliques can be identified within different social environments throughout the course their lives. One person may be part of multiple cliques, each forming and functioning independently from one another. Cliques are relevant in society due to the social influence or peer pressure that results from the interactions with individuals who share a common characteristic. The outcomes associated with clique formations may be endless with varying degrees of influence. So, a formal clique, such as a professional organization, would have a different kind of influence as compared to a social clique consisting of close friends.

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