Role-Taking, Role Standpoint, and Reference-Group Behavior

Abstract

In order to clarity the meaning and usefulness of the concept of "role-taking," some major types of role-taking behavior are differentiated and their relations to the concepts of "empathy" and "reference group" are explored. Role-taking may or may not include adoption of the standpoint of the other as one's own and may or may not be reflexive, these distinctions being related to its functions in the acquisition or implementation of values and to the element of self-consciousness in behavior. Coincidence of certain reference-group meanings with types of role-taking and possibilities for enhancing the usefulness of the reference-group concept are discussed.