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