Presentation 3 (social roles)

1. SOCIAL INTERACTION AND
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
GS 121

2. Social Interaction and Reality
Social interaction refers to the way people respond
to one another.
Social structure refers to the way in which a society
is organized into predictable relationships.
The linkage of social interaction and social structure
is central to sociological study. They are closely
related to socialization.
Social reality is literally constructed from our social
interactions.

3. Elements of Social Structure
Statuses
Status refers to any of the full range of socially defined
positions within a large group or society. A number of
statuses can be held at the same time. Examples: U.S.
President, son or daughter, dental technician, neighbor.
Ascribed Status
is generally assigned at birth without regard to a person’s unique
talents or characteristics. Examples: race, gender, and age.
Achieved status
comes to us largely through our own efforts. Examples: lawyer,
pianist, convict, and social worker.
Master Status
Dominates other statuses and thereby determines a person’s
general position within society. Example: People with disability
would be remembered as “Disabled”

4. What are social roles?
A set of expectations for people who occupy a
given social position or status. Roles are a
significant component of social structure. Example:
Police are expected to protect us and apprehend
criminals.

5. Role Conflict
Occurs when incompatible expectations arise from
two or more social positions held by the same
person. Example: newly promoted worker who
carries on a relationship with his/her former
workgroup.
Occurs among individuals moving into occupations
that are not common among people with their
ascribed status. Examples: female police officers
and male preschool teachers.

6. Role Exit
The process of disengaging from a role that is
central to one’s self- identity. Examples: graduating
from high school or college, retirement, and divorce.

7. Groups
Any number of people with similar norms, values,
and expectations who interact with one another on
a regular basis. Examples: sports team, college
sorority, hospital business office, symphony
orchestra.
 Groups play a key role in transmitting culture.

8. Functionalist View
Social institutions create survival and stability for
society.
Social change can be dysfunctional, since it often
leads to instability.

9. Conflict View
Major institutions maintain the privileges of the most
powerful individuals and groups within a society, while
contributing to the powerlessness of others.
Social institutions operate in gendered and racist
environments.
Social changes are needed to promote equality.

10. Interactionist View
Behavior is conditioned by roles and statuses that
we accept, the groups to which we belong, and the
institutions within which we function.

11. Batman
Identify the characters social roles.
How does Batman change our society and is it
acceptable?
Identify your own social role and how it has been
changed over time.