Psychology

Social cognition studies how information is processed by people including storage, retrieval and encoding. It also studies application of the information in various social situations. The study of an individual is done in a cultural or social context. In brief social cognition focuses on interpretation of information generated by an individual and those around (Huitt, 2006). It has been observed most serious personality problems begin in middle childhood. It is here that the child begins to understand self. Children derive pleasure in being productive, getting intellectual stimulation and pursuing success. Failure leads to inferiority complex and later group membership.

Emotional Understanding and Influence on Self-esteem
Children in middle childhood have slow but steady cognitive development. They are learning how best to form hypothesis and classify information. In this stage practical engagement in learning activities gives the children enthusiasm. As they are motivated to work it builds on their self-esteem and competence. Similarly social and interpersonal relationships are developed at this stage. Peer and family influence become a strong motivating factor. The latter relationship however is stronger. Skills learned at this stage are useful in developing further relationships in adolescence (Education Encyclopedia, 2010). It is important at this stage for children to have best friends as it serves well to build healthy relationships in future.

Self understanding boosts self-esteem and further enhances social skills of the child. He or she will be able to interact well with friends and peers. At the same time the child will be motivated to work and try out various activities in the surrounding. Children will low self-esteem normally have problems with emotional development (Education Encyclopedia, 2010). Such children tend to shy off and avoid commitments. It is only by joining groups that the children tend to develop some identity.

Significance of Peer Groups and Subcultures
Peer groups are strong relationships and help a lot in development of character and identity of children. The group will accept a one member despite his or her weaknesses. For once the child will feel accepted and valued by others. It is therefore true that characteristics of the peers are specific to a group but not individual members. The child gets a way of expression and may in the end be able to find his true identity. The peer groups enable children to have a specific way to view the world. This view is different from the family, school or any other view. In most cases children who have problems at home or experience difficulty coping with school find solace in peer groups. The requirements to join a group such as dressing style, language and clothes are less demanding compared to societal expectations to conform.

A subculture on the other hand is more of a reaction to the dominant culture. The dominant culture may be represented by gender, age or ethnicity (Patterson, 1956). A group perceived as subordinate tries to challenge the dominant group by coming up with a different lifestyle. This lifestyle is unique and original to the members. The members of subcultures would therefore feel equal to those of the dominant culture. This is true in the sphere of community development and self-direction. Aspirations which initially appeared blocked can be realized through membership.

Friendship Circles in School Years
Friendship circles change among adolescents and children over a period of time. Two children become acquaintances and maintain their friendship (Berndt, Hawkins and Hoyle, 1989). For some reasons the friendship wanes or ends. There are various reasons which may lead two friends to contact less and form other friendships. For instance a friend who changes in status such as given responsibility at school or appear to have improved in intellectual stimulation may lose some friends. However, he gains other friends as a result.

The other reason for subculture and group membership is bullying. Both the bullies and their victims are vulnerable to low self-esteem. Children who have are victims of bullying are traumatized and need constant support and care. In most cases they need to be taken to environments that are friendly to help boost their self-esteem. In some cases it is parents to give the much needed approval and love. At this age the child is fast becoming conscious of his mental abilities, appearance, defects and other physical characteristics (Patterson, 1956). Friends and peers are always critical of these traits and a child may easily be disadvantaged in case he or she has a defect or is made to believe so.

Similarly bullies just like their victims have a distorted view or opinion about themselves. For these reason they require proper care and counseling. They need to respect themselves and others. This will not come easily as most bullies want to impose their authority on others. In some cases bullying becomes the only way to prove their worth. Most of them actually perform poorly in school.

Conclusion
The existence of peer groups and subcultures in the society is an indicator of discontent among children. The formation of these groups, more so of the latter, is a rebellion from the dominant group. Children need recognition and a sense of worth without necessarily having to stoop to those who seem privileged. However, there are circumstances which are beyond control of the society. Sometimes parents will unconsciously demoralize their children. A child with low self- esteem has no other alternative but join peer groups. As much as the groups might give the child a sense of belonging and identity he or she might be mislead. It is therefore important for children to be provided with necessary attention and favorable environment to develop fully.