04:189:101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Social Comparison Theory, Role Conflict

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Communication and Informatio
• Course: 04:189:101
• Professor: Householder, B

Document Summary

Social position is our place or standing in a social hierarchy. (occupation, age, income, education, relationship, etc ) Role constitutes a set of expectations that governs how someone who holds a position should behave. Role rigidity occurs when a single role takes over one"s identity. Role conflict occurs when two or more roles make opposing demands. Amount of role commitment (personal investment theory) Looking-glass self theory: others act a mirrors and reflect back to us who we are. Social comparison theory: we turn to others for information about the validity of our opinions and abilities. Goffman"s view: we are actors putting on a show. Backstage or back region: the place people go when not acting.