A clique (pronounced /ˈkliːk/, in American English also /ˈklɪk/) is an exclusive group of people who share interests, views, purposes, patterns of behavior, or ethnicity.^[1] A clique as a reference group can be either normative or comparative. Membership in a clique is often, but not necessarily, exclusive, and qualifications for membership may be social or essential to the nature of the clique. The term 'clique' may be used pejoratively.

[edit] Sociological interpretation

A normative clique or reference group is often the primary source of social interaction for the members of the clique, which can affect the values and beliefs of an individual. The comparative clique or reference group is a standard of comparison in which a clique can exist in the workplace, in a community, in the classroom, in a business, or any other area of social interaction. Cliques tend to form within the boundaries of a larger group where opportunities to interact are great.^[2] Cliques are often associated with children and teenagers in a classroom setting. Schools are a prime place where peer networks exist and can easily be accentuated through the differentiation of various cliques, and through the processes of inclusion and exclusion that characterize a clique.^[3]

[edit] Film

[edit] Literature

• The Clique series of young–adult novels by Lisi Harrison
• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
• Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence by Rosalind Wiseman
• Flyy girl by Omar Tyree
• Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar
• The Inbetweeners, a channel 4 programme in the United Kingdom

[edit] See also

Look up clique in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Adolescence
• Bullying
• Clan
• Élite
• Elitism
• Gang
• Youth subculture
• Milieu control
• Peer group
• Queen bee (subculture)
• Social control theory
• Social network

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Social weapons - ostracisation & intimidation
• A clique first-aid kit for parents