SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP IN MIDDLE AND LATE ADOLESCENTS(L2)

• Adolescent period is a time of rapid changes for an individual, not only in the physical

  and cognitive senses but in the socio-emotional and interpersonal aspects as well. Many factors

  can influence the attitudes, values, and behaviors of individuals as they mature.
• Three Forms of Social Influence

  Social influence may take many forms such as conformity, compliance, and obedience.
• Conformity

  An individual is influenced to adjust or change

  his/her behavior, attitudes, feelings, and/or beliefs to

  “fit in” or to “belong” to a group. A person adjusts or

  changes behaviors merely by observing and perhaps

  imitating the behaviors of the group.
• Compliance

  This is often referred to as an active form of social

  influence. In compliance, the person does what the

  other explicitly or implicitly asks him/her to do,

  though he/she remains to have an option whether or

  not to comply.
• Obedience

  Unlike compliance, obedience involves abiding by the

  direct orders of someone who is regarded as an

  authority figure. The person obeying the mandates of the

  other seems to have no choice but to obey.
• Group leadership is "the process of providing focus and direction to a specific group of people”.

  This kind of leadership includes the facilitation and guidance of the people in the group. Leaders

  also analyze problems and difficulties, think of solutions, and get things done. They also provide a

  definite plan for the group, build concepts, and set a vision.
• Followership is the function of the members in a group or organization and is regarded as the

  counterpart of leadership. Followers do their part for the success of the group. Responsible

  followership involves supporting the leader, especially in the implementation of rules and

  regulations.
• Leadership, Followership, and the Adolescents

  • There are observations that adolescents form leader-follower relationships with their peers or

  age mates but not with others. Adolescence is the time when young people start to follow different

  peer leaders.
• Various Roles of Individuals in the Society

  Individuals play certain social roles as members of a social group. The particular kind of

  status one assumes determines the roles he or she has to fulfill. The following are just some of the

  statuses and roles played by some members of societies:
• President/Political Leaders

  Political leaders in the legislative branch of government create laws or ordinances, those

  in the executive implement laws, and those in the judiciary interpret laws.

  • Ideally, the leadership of political leaders influences people to adhere to the laws of the

  land. Their influence also moves people to action.
• Religious leaders

  • They are performers of rites and ceremonies in their respective religions. They keep

  religious traditions and serve as moral leaders, teachers, and spiritual guides. Usually, they have

  the religious obligation to propagate their held doctrines and to recruit members.
• Teachers

  • Teachers are dispensers of knowledge and useful information. They act as a mentor,

  leader, counsel, role model, and initiator of change.
• Children

  • They basically have the role and societal duty to grow to be healthy, competent,

  responsible, and productive individuals. They have an impact on the lives of fellow children,

  siblings, and other people in society.
• Church Members

  They ideally follow the religious leaders and adhere to the teachings of their religion. They

  practice their doctrines and also propagate their teachings.
• Celebrities

  • Their influence on other people is great, especially on the young generation. Hence, they

  should act as good role models to other people, especially to their fans. They must be watchful

  about their physical looks, actions, and attitudes.
• Filipino Values in Social Relationships

  Filipino values are very important to the lives of every Filipino. These values consist of

  ethical practices, ideologies, etiquettes, and social norms which may be unique to Filipino culture.

  Some of the Filipino values that are important to maintain harmony in Filipino relationships

  are the following:
• 1. Fear of losing face or 'hiya'

  This involves being afraid to do bad things as it may damage one's reputation in the

  eyesight of other people. On the other hand, also because of this "hiya," some Filipinos cannot say

  "no" even if what is asked by other people is something immoral.
• 2. Pakikisama

  This is commonly regarded as 'good public relations.' This is usually practiced to avoid

  clashing with other people or a certain group. Just like 'hiya' and other Filipino values, pakikisama

  can work either positively or destructively.
• 3. Hospitality

  This refers to the innate ability and trait of Filipinos to be courteous and entertaining to their

  guests. Generally speaking, Filipinos are hospitable.
• 4. Amor propio or self-esteem

  It comes from the person's tendency to protect his or her dignity and honor. Because of

  pride or amor propio, for instance, a person may refuse offers even if he/she really wants to accept

  them.
• 5. Respect to elders

  Filipinos have unique ways of showing respect to elders. These include the use of 'po' and

  opo' when talking to elders and 'pagmamano' or the putting of the elder's hand on one's forehead.
• 6. Utang na loob (debt of gratitude)

  This involves the concept of reciprocity or returning the received favor. The inability to repay

  the "utang na loob" usually makes a person "walang utang na loob" or "walang-hiya."