1. Social Structure
The complex framework of social institution and practices that establish limits on behavior

2. What is a status?
A recognized social position that an individual occupies. It defines who we are in relation to others
Example: Teacher, Daughter, Friend, Coach, Sister

3. KINDS OF STATUS ASCRIBED
A social position one receives at birth or involuntarily later in life
(age, race, gender, ethnicity)
ACHIEVED
A social position that one assumes voluntarily and reflects a person’s ability and effort (occupation, income, education)

4. MASTER STATUS
A status that is of exceptional importance for social identity often shaping one’s entire live.
(being a parent, being a doctor, being a good son, etc.)
STATUS SYMBOL: Material signs that inform others of a person’s status
(Wedding ring, Rolls Royce)

5. Roles
Behavior expected of someone who holds a certain status

6. Role Set A number of roles attached to a single status.
What roles do you was the President of the United States to hold?

7. ROLES ROLE EXPECTATION HOW SOCIETY BELIEVES A CERTAIN ROLE SHOULD ACT
ROLE PERFORMANCE
HOW A PERSON ACTUALLY PLAYS A ROLE

8. Roles
ROLE CONFLICT: The incompatibility among roles corresponding to two or more different statuses.
Ex: A woman struggles with working full time and being a devoted mother
ROLE STRAIN: The incompatibility among roles corresponding to a single status.
Ex: Female athletes, struggle between being viewed as “feminine” as well as an “athlete”

9. ROLES
DISTANCING: when individuals attempt to separate themselves from a particular role by not being committed to it. They often think this role is “beneath them”
Don’t want to be associated with a certain job out of fears others will look down on them.

10. Role Exit
ROLE EXIT: The process by which people disengage from social roles that have been central to their lives

11. Four stages of role exit:
1. DOUBT: Frustration or burnout with current role
2. ALTERNATIVES: individuals look for an alternative to their current status or role.
3. TURNING POINT: Individual finally realizes they must take some action.
4. NEW IDENTITY: Create a new role for yourself.