Role | Definition, Examples, & Facts - Britannica

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role, in sociology, the behavior expected of an individual who occupies a given social position or status. A role is a comprehensive pattern of behavior that is socially recognized, providing a means of identifying and placing an individual in a society. It also serves as a strategy for coping with recurrent situations and dealing with the roles of others (e.g., parent–child roles). The term, borrowed from theatrical usage, emphasizes the distinction between the actor and the part. A role remains relatively stable even though different people occupy the position: any individual assigned the role of doctor, like any actor in the role of Hamlet, is expected to behave in a particular way. An individual may have a unique style, but this is exhibited within the boundaries of the expected behavior.

Key People: Charlotte Perkins Gilman Betty Friedan Eliza Wood Burhans Farnham Jessie Bernard (Show more) Related Topics: gender role self persona role model social differentiation (Show more) See all related content

Role expectations include both actions and qualities: a teacher may be expected not only to deliver lectures, assign homework, and prepare exams but also to be dedicated, concerned, honest, and responsible. Individuals usually occupy several positions, which may or may not be compatible with one another: one person may be husband, father, artist, and patient, with each role entailing certain obligations, duties, privileges, and rights vis-à-vis other persons. See also social status.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Tara Ramanathan.