Sociology examines how social structure guides human interaction through statuses and roles. Statuses are social positions like student or teacher, while roles are the expected behaviors for a given status. There are ascribed statuses based on inherent traits and achieved statuses acquired through skills. A master status dominates one's identity. Roles can be reciprocal between positions and come with expectations, though individual performance may differ. Role conflict occurs when fulfilling one role hinders another, and role strain arises from inability to meet a single status's expectations.

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

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

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

4. RoleRole
 The behavior expected from someoneThe 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 inStatus 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 ofSocially 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 ofFulfilling one role results in the lacking of
another.another.
 Being a great athlete means you alwaysBeing 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 singleCan’t meet the expectations of a single
statusstatus
 A CEO has too much paper work to worryA CEO has too much paper work to worry
about the needs of their employees.about the needs of their employees.