Roles

Definition

Roles are the patterns of behavior expected of individuals in specific positions within a social context. They guide how individuals should act and interact based on societal norms and expectations.

Related terms

Status: The social position an individual occupies within a society, which often dictates the role they are expected to perform.

Social Norms:

Rules and standards that are understood by members of a group, guiding their behavior without the need for formal laws.

Role Conflict:

A situation where an individual faces competing demands from different roles they occupy, leading to stress and difficulty in fulfilling those roles effectively