1. Social Structure
The complex framework of social institution and practices that establish limits on behavior

2. Objectives
Recognize five different statuses that you hold in your current life
Identify four different roles for each status
Apply knowledge of roles and statuses to different eras of an individual’s lifespan
Define the following key terms: Role Exit, Role Distancing, Role Conflict, Role Strain, Role Expectations, and Role Performance

3. Who am I?
STATUS: A recognized social position that an individual occupies. It defines who we are in relation to others
Examples: Teacher, Student, Daughter, Son, Friend, Coach, Sister

4. Roles Behavior expected of someone who holds a certain status
EX: Organized, Caring, Good Listener, Creative
Answer Question # 1 on your Worksheet

5. KINDS OF STATUS ASCRIBED
A social position one receives at birth or involuntarily later in life
(age, race, gender, ethnicity)
ACHIEVED
A social position that one assumes voluntarily and reflects a person’s ability and effort (occupation, income, education)

6. ROLES ROLE EXPECTATION HOW SOCIETY BELIEVES A CERTAIN ROLE SHOULD ACT
Answer Question 3
ROLE PERFORMANCE
HOW A PERSON ACTUALLY PLAYS A ROLE

7. Roles
ROLE CONFLICT: The incompatibility among roles corresponding to two or more different statuses.
ROLE STRAIN: The incompatibility among roles corresponding to a single status.
Ex: A woman struggles with working full time and being a devoted mother
Ex: Female athletes, struggle between being viewed as “feminine” as well as an “athlete”
Answer Question 4 and 5

8. Role Exit and Distancing
ROLE EXIT: The process by which people disengage from social roles that have been central to their lives
ROLE DISTANCING: Occurs when people consciously foster the impression of a lack of commitment or attachment to a particular role and merely go through the motions of a role performance

9. Four stages of role exit:
1. DOUBT: Frustration or burnout with current role
2. ALTERNATIVES: individuals look for an alternative to their current status or role.
3. TURNING POINT: Individual finally realizes they must take some action.
4. NEW IDENTITY: Create a new role for yourself.
Answer Question 6

10. Role Exit Robert Downey Jr. Role Exit Activity
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11. MASTER STATUS
A status that is of exceptional importance for social identity often shaping one’s entire live.
(being a parent, being a doctor, being a good son, etc.)
STATUS SYMBOL: Material signs that inform others of a person’s status
(Wedding ring, Rolls Royce)
Answer Question 7

12. REVIEW What Have We Learned?
Statuses and Roles individuals can hold throughout their lives and the statuses and roles we currently hold
Key Terms: Role Exit, Role Distancing, Role Conflict, Role Strain, Role Expectations, Role Performance

13. ROLES AND STATUS 1. Name the famous person
2. Identify 5 statuses they hold
3. Name 3 roles for each status
4. Identify their master status
5. Explain how the person may experience role conflict
6. Explain how the person may experience role strain
7. Explain how the person may have experienced a role exit