Actor Quote by Peter L. Berger
““In sum, the actor identifies with the socially objectivated typifications of conduct in actu, but re-establishes distance from them as he reflects about his conduct afterward. This distance between the actor and his action can be retained in consciousness and projected to future repetitions of the actions. In this way both acting self and acting others are apprehended not as unique individuals, but as types. By definition, these types are interchangeable. We can properly begin to speak of roles when this kind of typification occurs in the context of an objectified stock of knowledge common to a collectivity of actors. Roles are types of actors in such a context.37””
About This Quote
Actors adopt socially defined roles, creating distance from actions and seeing themselves as interchangeable types.
In simple terms: People act as social types, creating distance from actions.
Key Takeaway
Understand role influence on behavior.
Themes
sociology
identity
roles
self-awareness
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- theatrical performance
- organizational behavior
- social research
Key Concepts
role theory
social construction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do roles shape your decisions?
- Can you act beyond prescribed types?
A Different Perspective
Roles can limit authentic self-expression.
