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Societal Roles

Definition

Societal roles refer to the expectations, duties, and responsibilities that individuals are assigned based on their social position or status within a particular society.

Analogy

Think of societal roles as different puzzle pieces. Each person in society is given a specific puzzle piece that fits into the overall picture of how society functions. Some puzzle pieces may have more intricate designs and responsibilities than others, but they all contribute to the functioning of the whole puzzle.

Related terms

Gender Roles: Gender roles are societal expectations and norms regarding behaviors, attitudes, and activities considered appropriate for men and women.

Social Hierarchy: Social hierarchy refers to the ranking or ordering of individuals or groups in a society based on factors such as wealth, power, or social status.

Division of Labor: Division of labor is the assignment of different tasks and responsibilities to different people or groups within a society based on their abilities, skills, or social position.