Social Roles Flashcards
explain the dramaturgical model
everyday interaction is sophisticated, rarely breaks down, and can usually be repaired if it does.
everyday life is like a play, different characters acting out their roles
What are implicit rules?
give examples of what aspects of social interaction can have implicit rules?
What happens when these rules are broken?
People behave differently - in predictable ways - in different social situations
examples
- personal space regulation - gaze, proximity, touch
- conversation - turn-taking, (active) listening
explain remedial action
What are the 3 ways you can repair a break in implicit rules?
this is when implicit rules are broken and you try to maintain reputation
- excuse “I couldn’t help it”
- justification “circumstances demanded it”
- apology “I am to blame, but I won’t do it again”
What are the two types of social roles?
what is the significance of social roles?
social roles can be
- ascribed (e.g., daughter)
- acquired (e.g., doctor)
social roles confer rights and responsibility and there are social expectations of the role.
competent role performance requires “actors” who recognise role rights and responsibilities (e.g., patients and doctors)
The role of “doctor”
what effects does this role have?
doctors’ obligations to patients
- diagnose illness
- certify illness
- explain illness
- provide effective treatment
- patient satisfaction affects adherence to medical advice
- unfulfilled expectations reduce satisfaction (lec 3: Kessels, 2003)
- doctors’ rights override many everyday social rules
- e.g. gynaecological examination (Henslin & Biggs, 1971)
- turn-taking and interruption in consultations
- Dr rights … implications for patient role?
What is the sick role?
a specific social role (Parsons, 1975)
- the right to relinquish other role responsibilities
- the obligation to strive to recover
- doctors are gatekeepers of the sick role
- secondary gains may make the sick role attractive
- adoption of sick role can be reinforced by others (Fordyce, 1976)
what is socialisation?
the processes whereby people take on (and later spread) social norms and customs
define primary and secondary socialisation
primary socialisation
– learning culture-specific rules and roles
= becoming a competent social actor
secondary socialisation
- learning role-specific competencies, obligations and rights
= e.g., becoming a competent doctor
explain obedience in context of healthcare
Doctors have an authoritative role.
Studies found that many nurses were prepared to follow incorrect – harmful - orders from doctors despite their own concerns.
… but if nurses are
- more familiar with drug/treatment
- able to consult with colleagues
immediate obedience is less common
What is role stress?
the desire to maintain image of competence in your role
- unrealistic expectations
- conflicting expectations
- ambiguous expectations
- inter-group conflict
What is role conflict?
when two or more roles have competing obligations e.g. family and work
describe role loss
important social roles become central to identity
- role-related goals, plans, social relationships and
reputation provide a meaningful and valued sense of self
examples of role loss:
retirement redundancy
illness recovery from long-term illness
becoming a carer ceasing to be a carer
bereavement
if meaningful alternative social roles cannot be established, life may be experienced as empty or meaningless
informal care giver role
is demanding and can cause role stress and conflict
can negatively affect health
