The Breakfast Club Analysis Paper Outline

Abstract
The character of Andrew is used to explore moral reasoning, identity statuses, and the effect of peer pressure on an adolescent development. Andrew’s character was analyzed to see how it is related to the Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of Moral Reasoning. It was found that he displayed both the preconventional level and the conventional level. However he has not displayed the postconventional level. His character was analyzed to see how it is related to James Marcia theory of identity statuses. His character display identity diffusion, identity foreclosure, identity moratorium, but has not displayed any signs of identity achievement. Finally his character was be analyzed to see how he deals with peer pressure. Andrew appears to give in easily to peer pressure.

Intro
Andrew character is studied and analyzed to find examples and relationships to theories. The theories will be stated. Finally a prediction is made about Andrew’s future moral decisions he might make. Thesis – The character of Andrew is used to explore moral reasoning, identity statuses, and the effect of peer pressure on an adolescent development. Topic 1 – Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of Moral Reasoning

Example 1 – Andrew taped Larry Lester buns as a prank. Andrew tries to please his father. Andrew wants to be like his father. Andrew is seeking his father’s approval but at the same time feels guilty about this act. This is an example of preconventional level because his moral decision to tape Larry Lester’s butt was base on Andrew’s thinking that this is what his father would do at his age. Example 1a – Andrew is a wrestler because he feels his father wants him to be. He wants to have his father’s win-win attitude. Andrew is physically able to win, but his mind and heart are not into winning. He mainly does this to please his father. Theory 1 – Preconventional level is moral reasoning that is based on external forces. Example 2 – Andrew makes fun of Larry Lester because his jock friends encourage him to.

This is an example of conventional level because he makes fun of Larry because his group approves of picking on weak kids. Example 2a – Andrew wants to respect authority but when Mr. Bender disrespects Mr. Vern, Andrew eventually follows Mr. Bender and the group. Example 2b – Andrew says that smoking weed is bad, but eventually gives in to smoking weed. Theory 2 – Conventional level is where moral reasoning is based on society’s norms. Example 3 – Andrew has not shown any examples where his decisions were based on his personal moral code. Theory 3 – Postconventional level is morality is based on a personal moral code. Topic 1 Conclusion – The days without his jock friends, he might change because he feels guilty there is a chance he will look to his own beliefs when making moral decisions. But when he returns to school if he continues to hang out with his jock friends he might remain like he was. Topic 2 – James Marcia theory of identity statuses

Example 1 – Andrew displays Identity Diffusion when he conforms to peer pressure and follows the acceptable behavior of the group. When the group decides to leave the library, he also follows even though he know the teacher has strictly forbade them from leaving their chair. Theory 1 – Identity Diffusion is “A state in which the individual has few, if any commitments, to anyone or to a set of beliefs – they emphasis personal gratification.” Example 2 – Andrew has accepted his father’s beliefs and chose to emulate his father even though he doesn’t fully believe them. Theory 2 – Identity Foreclosure is “The adolescent accepts someone else’s values and goals without exploring alternative roles.” Example 3 – During detention, Andrew hears about other people’s problems and situations. He can relate in some ways and live vicariously by what they are saying. He is starting to think more about what he wants in life.

Theory 3 – Identity Moratorium is “It is a stage between childhood and adulthood when the individual can experiment with or try on various roles, ideologies, and commitments.” Example 4 – Andrew has not shown any signs of Identity Acheivement. Theory 4 – Identity Achievement is “A period when the individual achieves inner stability that corresponds to what others perceived that person to be.” Topic 2 Conclusion – Andrew currently has not reached Identity Achievement. Andrew will need to explore identities until he finds an identity that appeal to him. I predict that Andrew will have trouble reaching Identity Achievement because he succumbs to peer pressure and his father’s wishes frequently. Topic 3 – Peer Pressure – why do kids cave in.

Example 1 – Andrew wants to be part of the group and consistently goes with the group on issues such as not telling that Mr. Bender has broken the door, smoking weed, and leaving the room with the group even though it was strictly prohibited by Mr. Vern. Theory 1 – “Groups establish norms – standards of behavior that apply to all group members – and may pressure members to conform to these norms.” (p274) Example 2 – Standards for using pot are often fuzzy. Andrew objects at first to using the marijuana but eventually gives in. Theory 2 – “Peer pressure is most powerful when the standards for appropriate behavior are not clear-cut.” (p274) Example 3 – Was Andrew influenced by his father’s parenting style?

I suspect Andrew was not influence enough because Andrew gave in several times to peer pressure. Theory 3 – “Adolescents are less likely to be influenced by peer pressure when their parents use an authoritative style and more likely to be influence when their parents are not authoritative” (p274) Topic 3 Conclusion – Andrew is susceptible to peer pressure and doesn’t seem to have any signs of changing this in his character. No matter what group Andrew hangs out with I suspect he will conform to what is acceptable for the group. Before Andrew is able to avoid being influence by peer pressure, I predict Andrew ill need to reach Identity Achievement. Until he discovers who he really is and his own desires and morality he will be influenced by peer pressure. Conclusion (Prediction for future)

Prediction 1 – Topic 1 Conclusion – The days without his jock friends, he might change because he feels guilty there is a chance he will look to his own beliefs when making moral decisions. But when he returns to school if he continues to hang out with his jock friends he might remain like he was. Prediction 2 – Andrew currently has not reached Identity Achievement. Andrew will need to explore identities until he finds an identity that appeal to him. I predict that Andrew will have trouble reaching Identity Achievement because he succumbs to peer pressure and his father’s wishes frequently. Prediction 3 – Andrew is susceptible to peer pressure and doesn’t seem to have any signs of changing this in his character. No matter what group Andrew hangs out with I suspect he will conform to what is acceptable for the group. Before Andrew is able to avoid being influence by peer pressure, I predict Andrew ill need to reach Identity Achievement. Until he discovers who he really is and his own desires and morality he will be influenced by peer pressure.