Role Conflict

In Sociology, students are taught the dynamics of social statues and roles. One item of interest is role conflict and role strain. In role strain, a person has one role, but many duties and responsibilities in that one role. In role conflict, one person has many roles, which cause some conflicts of interest because they are incompatible. Or you might say that role conflict is "a condition of being faced with incompatible role expectations".

Well, in some cases, I faced that very condition at work, along with my co-workers. Where I work, the staff is expected by the general public to assume the roles of babysitter, in-house Computer technician, tax adviser, friend, typist, resume editor, telephone directory/operator, and other roles. I think just think it's interesting. I think the most difficult roles, to assume is that of babysitter. Some parents simply drop their kids off, we the staff are left to make sure they don't get too rowdy or they are not causing trouble. I wish parents were required to accompany their children.

Currently, I am assuming the role of in-house computer technician. This elderly couple needed desperate help with their computer and I was drafted to help them out. They refer to me as "Young Man" and not by real name. Well, at least I am paid for it.

One day, I might be unfortunate and have to be a husband, father, breadwinner, and the in-house repair guy. I would welcome such roles in my life. However, I would say that trying to acquire many roles at one time can be stressful and overwhelming. If necessary, it should be a gradual process, not too many at a time, for it might drive a person crazy. Everyone has his or her own respective role conflict limit, respect yours.