That taking up roles affects one behavior is not a contentious issue. In fact, assuming different roles changes one’s behavior depending on one’s internal conflicts and loyalties. Firstly, a role is a common action that is associated with a certain status whether ascribed or achieved. Change of behavior as a result of taking up roles occurs when there is a role strain. This happens when the role assumed exceeds the individual’s resources or capacity to deliver. For instance, during the finals week, there are usually several classes for a student to study in very limited time.
A student might undergo role strain during this period of time. Change of behavior resulting from taking up roles might also occur due to status inconsistency. This is a phenomenon that refers to an instance when two statuses, whether ascribed or achieved are in conflict or opposition with one another. For instance, a student who is both an honor student and a criminal might experience status inconsistency as the two statuses are in opposition with one another.
Role conflicts can also affect behavior change. This occurs when an individual is experiencing multiple roles with conflicting expectations. For instance, an individual who is both a student and a parent might experience role conflict. Master statuses also affect behavior change in individuals. This is where one has several statuses though the master status is the most socially important one. For instance, a female student in a male dominated career field has the status of being a student and a female. However, since it is uncommon to have a female in the career field, the master status is more likely female. Using examples from various articles, this paper will articulate the effect assuming roles has on an individual’s behavior.
The cultural icon that cheerleading is in the United States is an example with a status inconsistency. On one hand, it symbolizes wholesome attractiveness, popularity, peer leadership and youthful prestige. These are attributes that one would want to own and be described. On the other hand, and almost simultaneously, it represents shallow boosterism, mindless enthusiasm, availability of promiscuity and objectified sexuality. These are attributes that are not endeared to by many. The inconsistent statuses embodied by cheerleading might affect behavior change.
In his article, the Pathology of Imprisonment, Zimbardo (70) argues that assigning labels to individuals and putting them in a situation where the labels acquire meaning and validity is enough to cause pathological behavior change. Although indicators may not be able to envisage the behavior change, the ascribed status of a prisoner can have fundamental changes in behavior and attitudes of the individual. In the article “the Presentation of oneself in everyday life” preedy undergoes a much more difficult ritual to show that he was conversant with the sea and that particular beach at the expense of a much simpler ritual. This is because he wanted to earn a status when it mattered most. Under normal circumstances, he might not have opted for the more complicated ritual (Goffman 5). This shows that status has an effect on ones behavior.
Harvey (128) uses the example of the public toilets to explain the inequality that goes on in society. He argues that the amount of space allowed for men and women to relieve themselves in public toilets is the same whereas women use the toilet for many more purposes than their male counterparts. In his explicit explanation, he argues that while men use the restrooms for relieving themselves, women also use them for hygiene and cosmetic purposes. Even though equality is enshrined by the constitution, this status should not be deciphered in the literal sense. Equality of opportunity is also an aspect that is important and may not be easily apparent when ideas are taken literary.
Works cited
Adams, Natalie and Bettis, Pamela. Commanding the Room in Short Skirts: Cheering as the Embodiment of Ideal Girlhood. Gender and Society Vol. 17, No. 1 (Feb., 2003), pp. 73- 91
Goffman, Erving Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York. Doubleday Anchor Books. 1959. Print
Harvey Molotch. The Rest Room and Equal Opportunity. Sociological Forum. Vol. 3, No. 1 (1988), pp. 128-132
Zimbardo, Phillip. Pathology of Imprisonment. In society. Vol. 9, No. 6 (1972), pp. 68-70
