Social Structure &
Status
Chapter 5
Section 1
Social structure--The underlying patterns
of relationships in a group
Status—a position a person occupies within a
social structure
Status is an important element of social structure
Help us define who we are
Different Types of Status
Ascribed status—status assigned at birth; it is
not earned nor chosen
For example: gender
Achieved status—a position that is earned or
chosen
Captain of the football team
Status set—all of the statuses that a
person occupies at one time
Example: wife, teacher, mother, advisor, etc.
Master status—the dominant status in
one’s life.
It strongly affects most other aspects
Usually occupations
Section 2
Social Structure & Roles
Rights & Obligations
Role—an expected behavior associated with a
particular role.
Statuses describe position; roles describe behavior
Rights-behaviors that individuals expect from others
Obligations—behaviors that individuals are expected to
perform toward others
The rights of one individual correspond to the
obligations of another
Role Performance & Social Interaction
Role behavior—the actual conduct or
behavior of an individual in a role
Social interaction—the process of
influencing each other as people relate
Certain expectation goes along with this!
Role Conflict and Role Strain
Role conflict—exits when the performance
of a role in one status conflicts with the
performance in another. (friend and son)
Role strain—exists when a person has
trouble meeting the many roles connected
with one status. (sports)
How do we manage this stress?
Set Priorities!!
Segregate roles
Set appropriate limits and expectations