Soc ch 4

structures

1. SociologySociology
Chapter 4Chapter 4
Humans have structure that helps Humans have structure that helps
tell us how to act in various situations and tell us how to act in various situations and
what others expect from us. Maintains what others expect from us. Maintains
stability.stability.

2. Social StructureSocial Structure
Network of interrelated statuses and Network of interrelated statuses and
roles that guide human interaction.roles that guide human interaction.

3. StatusStatus
Socially defined position in a group or Socially defined position in a group or
society.society.
TeacherTeacher
StudentStudent
Police OfficerPolice Officer
BumBum

4. RoleRole
The behavior expected from someone The behavior expected from someone
occupying a certain statusoccupying a certain status
Study- StudentStudy- Student
Work hard at your sport- Athlete.Work hard at your sport- Athlete.
Diagnose properly- DoctorDiagnose properly- Doctor

5. Types of StatusesTypes of Statuses
Ascribed status- Inherited traitsAscribed status- Inherited traits
Boy, Blonde, TallBoy, Blonde, Tall

6. Achieved StatusAchieved Status
Status acquired by having a special skillStatus acquired by having a special skill
Athlete, #1 in class, CEOAthlete, #1 in class, CEO

7. Master StatusMaster Status
Status that plays the greatest role in Status that plays the greatest role in
one’s life at that time.one’s life at that time.
TeacherTeacher

8. Various types of RolesVarious types of Roles
Reciprocal role- Corresponding rolesReciprocal role- Corresponding roles
Coach- AthleteCoach- Athlete
Father- ChildFather- Child
Brother- BrotherBrother- Brother

9. Role ExpectationRole Expectation
Socially determined behavior expected of Socially determined behavior expected of
a person performing a role.a person performing a role.
Doctor giving the best care possible.Doctor giving the best care possible.
A Cop enforcing the lawA Cop enforcing the law

10. Role PerformanceRole Performance
Your actual behaviorYour actual behavior
Students not paying attention in class.Students not paying attention in class.

11. Role ConflictRole Conflict
Fulfilling one role results in the lacking of Fulfilling one role results in the lacking of
another.another.
Being a great athlete means you always Being a great athlete means you always
train with not time to study for schooltrain with not time to study for school

12. Role StrainRole Strain
Can’t meet the expectations of a single Can’t meet the expectations of a single
statusstatus
A CEO has too much paper work to worry A CEO has too much paper work to worry
about the needs of their employees.about the needs of their employees.