Social Roles
Social roles
Many social situations can be better understood by a role-theoretical approach: One can always find prototypical interpersonal structures, consisting of a set of certain positions that the actors involved might adopt. The associations that an actor links to such a particular position are referred to as a social role. When roles are assumed, these associations are then activated and cause role-consistent experiences and behavior. The role concept also helps to better understand human behavior in social conflict (e.g., diminished or destructive communication and refusal to cooperate).
Selected Publications:
Schwabe, J., & Gollwitzer, M. (2021). Explaining third-party reactions in interpersonal conflicts: A role-taking approach. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 24, 902-920. https://doi.org/10.1177/1368430220908328
