Another aspect of family that is critical to the school performance of youth is parental involvement. Schools may inadvertently play a role in school dropout and occupational attainment. The ways in which students are exposed to which curricula restrict opportunities for those placed in lower or regular tracks, where they also encounter less stimulating and challenging curricula, which may further discourage school achievement and involvement. Adolescents select close friends who are similar to them in attitudes and behaviors. Adolescents are not only influenced by their close friendships but also by the social group with which they identify and to which they belong.
Adolescents select and are selected by social crowds.
School-alienated youth see little or no relationship between high school and their future. Even those who view graduation as a procedural requirement understand that once they have graduated, they will have to make their own way. Thus, high schoolers in the alienated crowds rely upon their older friends in the workforce to help them construct a path to adulthood. Because loyalty to friendships is a primary value of alienated youth, these youth are particularly vulnerable to peer culture norms related to work and achievement. Most people believe work builds character and responsibility.