The Breakfast Club
I’m studying for my Social Science class and need an explanation.
Watch the film The Breakfast Club and answer the following questions:
What was the role of calling the teacher a “brownie hound” in group development?
Did the group follow all the steps in developing? Explain why or why not.
How does the group establish norms? Explain.
How does the group become cohesive? Explain
Answer:
The Breakfast Club is a classic film that explores the dynamics of group development and the social psychology of high school students.
- What was the role of calling the teacher a “brownie hound” in group development?
When one of the characters, Bender, called the teacher a “brownie hound,” it served as a way to bond the group together through shared defiance against authority. This moment allowed the group to realize that they all had something in common, which was their resentment towards authority figures. This shared experience created a sense of unity and camaraderie among the group members and helped to establish a common enemy.
- Did the group follow all the steps in developing? Explain why or why not.
The group did not follow all the steps in developing. While they did go through the stages of forming, storming, norming, and performing, they did not go through them in a linear fashion. Instead, they often jumped back and forth between stages and sometimes regressed to earlier stages. For example, they would frequently argue and bicker with each other, which is a hallmark of the storming phase. However, they also established norms and rules that governed their interactions, which is characteristic of the norming phase.
- How does the group establish norms? Explain.
Norms are established through a process of negotiation and agreement. In the film, the group establishes norms through open discussion and dialogue. They negotiate rules and expectations that govern their interactions with each other. For example, they agree to keep the events of the day confidential and to not reveal each other’s secrets. By establishing these norms, they create a sense of safety and trust within the group and promote positive social interactions.
- How does the group become cohesive? Explain.
The group becomes cohesive through a combination of shared experiences, norms, and a sense of belonging. The members of the group share a common experience of being stuck in detention, which creates a sense of unity and shared identity. They also establish norms that promote positive interactions and mutual respect. By adhering to these norms, they create a sense of safety and trust within the group. Finally, they develop a sense of belonging and acceptance, which allows them to be vulnerable and open with each other. These factors combine to create a cohesive group that is able to support each other and work towards a common goal.
