Rolpatroon

Rolpatroon, a term used in Dutch sociology and family studies, refers to the typical distribution and enactment of social roles within a group, most often a household or organization. The concept captures who is expected to do what, who holds authority, and how members behave in relation to one another. Rolpatroon is shaped by cultural norms, gender expectations, age, and socioeconomic status, and it can vary across communities and over time.

In households, rolpatroon is often discussed in terms of the division of labor, caregiving responsibilities, and decision-making. Traditional patterns have allocated the male as the breadwinner and the female as the primary caregiver, but such patterns are changing in many societies. Factors such as women's participation in the labor market, evolving attitudes toward parenting, and policy measures can alter the pattern. Researchers study rolpatroon through surveys, time-use diaries, and qualitative interviews, considering both domestic and work contexts. When expectations collide with personal preferences or external pressures, role conflict or role strain can occur.

Rolpatroon is closely related to role theory, gender roles, and the division of labor. It provides a framework to analyze how social structure and cultural norms influence individual behavior and group dynamics. Critics caution that emphasizing stable patterns may obscure intra-group variation and rapid changes in modern societies. Understanding rolpatroon can inform public policy, organizational design, and interventions aimed at improving equity in work and family life.