What defines a 'social role'?

A social role is best defined as the norms guiding behavior expected in a particular context. These roles are shaped by societal expectations and dictate how individuals should behave in various situations, depending on their position in society or within a specific group. For instance, the role of a teacher involves certain duties, behaviors, and interactions with students, while the role of a student involves a different set of expectations.

Understanding social roles is essential because they help organize social life by establishing predictable behaviors and interactions among individuals. This predictability allows society to function smoothly, as people understand what is expected of them and of others in different contexts, which contributes to social cohesion.

The other options do not capture the essence of what a social role entails. A personal duty towards oneself focuses on individual responsibilities rather than societal expectations. An individual’s informal behavior in social situations refers to personal actions that may not align with expected norms. Lastly, the absence of roles in social settings would indicate chaos and unpredictability rather than the orderly framework that social roles provide.