Chapter 4.1 Building Blocks of Social Structure
Status and roles make individuals react to a society. Let’s see how.
Social Structure
Social Structure gives a society its characteristics– Definition = Network of interrelated statuses and roles that
guide human interaction.
– Social structures are made of statuses Socially defined positions in a society
– Doctors– Teachers– Parents
Know Your Role
Social Status are made up of statuses.
Statuses have an individual role in society
– Behavior expected of someone occupying a particular status.
Ascribed Status
Ascribed Status– Is assigned according to
qualities beyond a person’s control.
– Example Being a teenager Race
Achieved Status
Acquired through an individual’s efforts including learning special skills
– Doctors– Attorneys– Military – Professional athlete
Master Status
Status that shapes a person’s role in society.
– Grandparent– Doctor– Mom and Dad
Reciprocal Roles
Corresponding roles that define the patterns of interaction between related statuses.
– Coach v. athlete– Teacher v. student
Role Expectations
Socially determined behaviors expected of a person performing a role. – Doctors having bedside manner. – Parents taking care of children.
In reality = role performance– Actual role behavior of person in life.
Role Conflict
Statuses sometimes have many roles in society. – Teacher– Husband– Brother– Friend
Role Conflict– Occurs when fulfilling the role expectations of one status
makes it difficult to fulfill the other roles. Good teacher = take time to prepare Good husband = take time out for wife
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