"Normal" and peer pressure

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Karyn
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"Normal" and peer pressure

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Recently there was some research done that combined the results of a bunch of previous studies, and concluded that young people's ideas about what's "normal" can have more of an influence on their sexual activity than direct peer pressure. (The news piece is here if you're interested.)

It makes sense to me, but I'm wondering what you all think about it. Have you ever found yourself behaving in a way that maybe you're not totally comfortable with, because it's what you've been told (by friends, family, society in general) that it's the "normal" thing to do? What do you think it is about that idea of being "normal" that is so powerful and influential?

And, what about peer pressure? Has that ever had an influence on you? A lot? A little?
"Where there is power, there is resistance." -Michel Foucault
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