Role strain

Definition

Role strain occurs when an individual experiences difficulty in fulfilling the multiple demands of a single social role, leading to stress and challenges in performance. It highlights the complexity and sometimes conflicting expectations within a singular position or identity.

Related terms

Role Conflict: Occurs when there are incompatible demands placed upon a person by two or more statuses held at the same time, creating conflict between the roles.

Social Structure: The organized pattern of social relationships and social institutions that together constitute society.

Status: Refers to the recognizable social position that an individual occupies, which comes with specific rights and obligations