Question

difference between status and role​

Answer 1

Answer:Status and Role constitute an important element in social structure.  Young and Mack say ”A role is the function of a status”. A person in a social  set up is bound to play a role. Sometimes he plays so many roles at a given  time. According to his role, he gets status. Similarly, the status of an  individual gives him a definite role. Sometimes status is ascribed and sometimes  it is achieved. Therefore, status and role, both are  interrelated.

1. The terms ‘role’ and ‘status’ are  inter-related:

A status is simply a position in society or in a group. A  ‘role’ is the behavioral aspect of status. Statuses are occupied and roles are  played. A role is the manner in which a given individual fulfills the  obligations of a status and enjoys its privileges.

2. Role is a relational  term:

An individual plays a role versus another person’s role, which is  attached to a ‘counter-position’.

3. Role and status point out two  divergent interests:

Status is a sociological concept and sociological  phenomena. On the other hand, role is a concept and a phenomenon of social  psychology.

4. Both are dynamic:

Role changes with each new  incumbent in a status. The status changes as the norms attached to it are  altered. In course of time, new obligations and new responsibilities may be  added to a status or old ones may be removed. Sometimes more rigorous  role-playing may expand the functions of a status.

Though status and role are  co-related, it is possible to have one without the other. A status without a  role may simply denote an unfulfilled position in an association. In the same  way, roles are often played without occupying a status.

A status may be  called as an institutionalized role. The structure of society consists of  statuses and not roles. It is role that has become regularized, standardized,  and formalized in the society at large on in any specific association with  society. It is statuses together with norms that give order, predictability and  even possibility to social relations.

Answer 2

Difference between status and role:

• Every person has a variety of roles to play in his or her family and society, each with its own set of tasks and responsibilities.
• The honor or respect bestowed on a role in society is referred to as status.
• Status refers to a person's position in the social order, whereas role refers to the behavior that is required of them.