Role Theory
Recent Development in Role Theory Author(s): B. J. Biddle Reviewed work(s): Source: Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 12 (1986), pp. 67-92 Published by: Annual Reviews Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2083195 . Accessed: 09/10/2012 22:18
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Ann. Rev. Sociol. 1986. 12:67-92 Copyright ? 1986 by Annual Reviews Inc. All rights reserved
RECENT DEVELOPMENTSIN ROLE THEORY
B. J. Biddle
Columbia, Centerfor Researchin Social Behavior, Universityof Missouri-Columbia, Missouri 65211
Abstract
Role theory concerns one of the most important features of social life, characteristicbehavior patternsor roles. It explains roles by presumingthat persons are members of social positions and hold expectationsfor their own behaviorsand those of otherpersons. Its vocabularyand concernsare popular and among social scientistsandpractitioners, role conceptshave generateda lot of research. At least five perspectives may be discriminatedin recent work organizational, within the field: functional, symbolic interactionist,structural, andcognitive role theory. Much of role researchreflectspracticalconcernsand derivedconcepts, and researchon four such concepts is reviewed:consensus, conformity, role conflict, and role taking. Recent developmentssuggest both centrifugal and integrative forces within the role field. The former reflect
Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp
.
JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.
.
Annual Reviews is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Annual Review of Sociology.
http://www.jstor.org
Ann. Rev. Sociol. 1986. 12:67-92 Copyright ? 1986 by Annual Reviews Inc. All rights reserved
RECENT DEVELOPMENTSIN ROLE THEORY
B. J. Biddle
Columbia, Centerfor Researchin Social Behavior, Universityof Missouri-Columbia, Missouri 65211
Abstract
Role theory concerns one of the most important features of social life, characteristicbehavior patternsor roles. It explains roles by presumingthat persons are members of social positions and hold expectationsfor their own behaviorsand those of otherpersons. Its vocabularyand concernsare popular and among social scientistsandpractitioners, role conceptshave generateda lot of research. At least five perspectives may be discriminatedin recent work organizational, within the field: functional, symbolic interactionist,structural, andcognitive role theory. Much of role researchreflectspracticalconcernsand derivedconcepts, and researchon four such concepts is reviewed:consensus, conformity, role conflict, and role taking. Recent developmentssuggest both centrifugal and integrative forces within the role field. The former reflect