Which term refers to the system of expectations and duties assigned to a person based on their status?

• A. Role
• B. Sex
• C. Social Class
• D. Social Control

Answer: (A)

Role describes the system of expectations and duties attached to a person because of their status. When someone occupies a social position, like student, parent, or employee, society expects certain behaviors, responsibilities, rights, and ways of interacting. These expectations form the role that goes with that status, guiding how a person should act in different situations. For example, a student is expected to attend classes, complete assignments, and follow school rules; a parent is expected to care for and guide their children. This concept helps explain how social life is organized and how people know what is expected of them in different contexts. The other terms don’t fit as well: sex is about biology, social class concerns economic placement, and social control refers to mechanisms that enforce norms rather than the set of duties tied to a status.