Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Patterns of behavior expected of persons occupying particular social positions; defined by rules set by society and shaped by individual personality traits and abilities.
Related terms
Role Conflict: The tension caused by competing demands between two or more roles pertaining to different statuses.
Role Strain: The difficulty that arises when the same social position imposes conflicting demands and expectations.