Because Saturday school is portrayed as a metaphorical prison, many behavioral elements within this film express findings from Zimbardo’s prison study. The main focus of this study was the observation of social roles and how they have an effect on behavior. Specifically, Zimbardo’s simulation was meant to exhibit the ease at which individuals adapted to such roles. The Breakfast Club parallels this study because it takes five …show more content…
They also make an attempt to escape detention and succeed in smuggling drugs back into the library. Although the students and Mr Vernon were well aware of their situation they quickly abandoned their predesignated roles and adopted the aspects of prisoners and a guard. By removing the boundaries associated with differing social roles, the students were able feel like they were similar to each other which made it easier for them to bond over their current situation.
In The Breakfast Club, each student faces issues from having unresolved dilemmas within their lifetime that can be labeled by Erikson’s social stages of development. As a troubled teen, it is not surprising that John grew up with an abusive, alcoholic father. He reports to the others his traumatic experiences of growing up in a hostile environment, proving the struggle that he has with the trust vs mistrust phase of social development. Because John could never depend on his environment he rebelled against authority figures and often fought with Claire, simply because she grew up with a caring, compassionate father. Andrew’s