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
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Definition = Network of interrelated statuses and roles that
guide human interaction.
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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.
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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.
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–
–
–

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