Chapter 3 Section 1 Building Blocks of Social Structure

Key Vocabulary Social Structure- A network of interrelated statuses and roles that guides human interaction. –Examples: Employee following rules from boss.

Key Vocabulary Status- a socially defined position in a group or in a society. –Example: mother, father, etc.

Key Vocabulary Role- the behavior expected of someone occupying a particular status. –Example: Mother feeding baby, dad throwing the football with son, etc.

Key Vocabulary Achieved Status- a status acquired by an individual on the basis of some special skill, knowledge, or ability. –Example: Teacher, Police officer, etc.

Key Vocabulary Ascribed Status: A status assigned according to standards that are beyond a person’s control. –Example: age, sex, family heritage and race.

Key Vocabulary Master Status: The status that plays the greatest role in shaping a person’s life and determining his or her own identity. –Example: Mother for women (typical master status).

Key Vocabulary Role Set: Different roles attached to a single status. –Mrs. Thomas: mother, wife and teacher.

Key Vocabulary Role Conflict: A situation that occurs when fulfilling the expectations of one status makes it more difficult to fulfill the expectations of another status. –Example: Mrs. Thomas being a mother, but works a lot as a teacher.

Key Vocabulary Role Strain: A situation that occurs when a person has difficulty meeting the expectations of a single status. –Example: Mrs. Thomas’ child is sick, she will have to miss a day of work to take care her daughter.

Key Vocabulary Role Exit: The process that people go through to detach from a role that has been central to their self-identity. –Example: A man getting a divorce, no longer a husband.

Key Vocabulary Social Instruction: A system of statuses, roles, values, and norms that is organized to satisfy one or more needs of society. –Example: Police department are there to ensure safety for everybody.