Social roles: Conformity, conflict and creativity

Abstract

Twelve field studies of specific social roles are used to show particular aspects of role enactment. The author uses the symbolic interaction perspective, along with sociological and social psychological theory to illustrate how people assimilate roles, enact the expected behaviour, or deal with unacceptable roles. The roles played by new army recruits, priests in a protest movement, and indigenous leaders in a poverty programme are among those researched. A framework for analyzing role enactment, and hints about studying roles in the field are also provided.