szerepkonfliktus

Szerepkonfliktus, or role conflict, is a sociological and psychological concept that describes the difficulty or impossibility of simultaneously fulfilling two or more roles that have conflicting expectations. This conflict can arise when an individual occupies multiple social positions or when the expectations associated with a single role are contradictory.

There are several types of role conflict. Intrarole conflict occurs when the expectations within a single role are incompatible. For example, a manager might be expected to be both a supportive mentor and a strict enforcer of rules, creating a conflict in how they should behave. Interrole conflict arises when the expectations of two or more distinct roles clash. A common example is the work-family conflict, where the demands of a professional career may interfere with the responsibilities and desires related to family life. Status conflict is another form, where an individual's multiple statuses have different or opposing expectations attached to them.

Individuals experiencing role conflict may feel stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. They might struggle to allocate their time and energy effectively, leading to reduced performance in one or both roles. Coping mechanisms can include prioritizing roles, negotiating expectations with others, seeking support, or attempting to compartmentalize different aspects of their lives. Understanding role conflict is crucial in various fields, including organizational behavior, sociology, and psychology, as it impacts individual well-being and social functioning.