When it comes to high school, one defining characteristic is the presence of different social circles and pressures on individuals to find their place and conform to that identity. This social pressure of whether or not to integrate with a common culture is one that can significantly impact the lives students choose to lead.
But, in reality, is conformity culture a real thing? Or is the culture just suggested by the media about high school? School psychologist Lisa Khoury believes that high school doesn’t necessarily have a culture of conformity, but rather of identity and self-discovery.
“High school is where there’s more exploration of individuality,” Khoury said. “So then it’s not as necessary to be the same as everyone else. So there’s more acceptance of individuality.”
However, despite the growing desire for individuality, many students feel their character can affect how they are perceived socially. Louisa Justin ’29 believes that there should be a balance between personal identity and fitting in socially.
“Explore and expand and meet new people, but don’t change yourself too much just to fit in with those other people,” Justin said.
Some students have a more alternative style of individuality, and in a high school environment, this can impact the areas in which they feel respected and included. For Rocky Bocci ’27, who believes he doesn’t ‘conform,’ it can often feel awkward. This awkwardness of not fitting in is what may push teenagers to attune to a common culture.
“Being teenagers, it kind of makes us want to conform, because it’s easy, and the Internet is making it easier for people to say, ‘you gotta do this,’” Bocci said. “It’s kind of the age where we’re learning who we are, and along with that, we all hate ourselves.”
At the root of humanity is the fact that we are pack animals and have always relied on groups to survive. Khoury believes this is a major reason for an inherent urge to fit in.
“We live in a society where we rely on groups, typically,” Khoury said. “People have to get along and group together.”
For some, the large population of a high school compared to elementary and middle school can be intimidating. It can be much easier for people to comply with the behavior of the groups closest to them.
“High school’s such a big place that everyone wants to find a group,” Justin said. “Especially now that we’re getting older.”
High school can be a place for both exploring individuality and finding a place to fit in. Depending on the person, their feelings surrounding fitting in and conformity may differ. However, regardless of their social standing, Khoury reminds students to stay open-minded toward their peers.
“Don’t embrace it [conformity] would be my advice,” Khoury said. “Keep your mind open, be open to all different kinds of people. Make it a goal to make new friends, go outside your typical friend group to explore someone new or to learn about what someone else’s life is like.”
