Sociology
Statuses and Roles
In a way, we are all actors on the stage of life. In this lesson you will examine the kinds of parts you play
and how they change over time.
First of all we need to understand your statuses and the roles associated with them. To do this, complete
the following exercise.
I am a ________________. (List as many things as you can- at least five).Examples would be a girl or
boy, a student, a brother or sister, an employee, a friend, a member of a certain religious or cultural group,
etc.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Because I am a ____________ (choose one from above) I also have to be _________________________
(list as many things as you can). For example, because I am a sister, I also have to be a listener, chauffeur,
babysitter, etc..
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
In the exercise above, the things that you said you were are your statuses. A status is a social position.
Usually we think of status as being a positive thing, but statuses can be positive or negative. Being a
homeless man is a status just like being a millionaire. The duties, or roles, that go along with each status
were identified in the second part of the exercise.
Status-
Role-
Along with every status come status symbols. A status symbol is an object that is representative of a
status. For example, a briefcase is a status symbol of being in business; a minivan is a status symbol of
being a “soccer mom.
Make a list of at least 5 things (not attitudes or behaviors) that are status symbols of being a teenager.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Are all status symbols positive? List at least five status symbols of negative statuses (gangsters, homeless
people, etc.) with their associated statuses.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
There are three types of statuses, achieved, ascribed, and master.
Achieved:
Ascribed:
Master:
Inconsistency:
Now go back to your original list (“I am a ____________________”) above of your statuses. Now cirlce
each achieved status and underline each ascribed status.
Remember that ascribed statuses are those you have no choice about or are born into. Being a part of an
“old money” family, for example, is an ascribed status.
Role Conflict:
Role Strain:
Role Exit:
Social Institutions:
Contrasting Societies:
Gemeinschaft:
Gesellshaft :