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Investing Quote by Peter L. Berger

“Roles appear as soon as a common stock of knowledge containing reciprocal typifications of conduct is in process of formation, a process that, as we have seen, is endemic to social interaction and prior to institutionalization proper. The question as to which roles become institutionalized is…” quote by Peter L. Berger
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““Roles appear as soon as a common stock of knowledge containing reciprocal typifications of conduct is in process of formation, a process that, as we have seen, is endemic to social interaction and prior to institutionalization proper. The question as to which roles become institutionalized is identical with the question as to which areas of conduct are affected by institutionalization, and may be answered the same way. All institutionalized conduct involves roles. Thus roles share in the controlling character of institutionalization. As soon as actors are typified as role performers, their conduct is ipso facto susceptible to enforcement. Compliance and non-compliance with socially defined role standards ceases to be optional, though, of course, the severity of sanctions may vary from case to case. The roles represent the institutional order.38 This representation takes place on two levels. First, performance of the role represents itself. For instance, to engage in judging is to represent the role of judge. The judging individual is not acting “on his own,” but qua judge. Second, the role represents an entire institutional nexus of conduct.””

Peter L. Berger

About This Quote

Source Book: The Social Construction of Reality, Peter L. Berger & Thomas Luckmann, 1966

Roles emerge from shared knowledge and become the basis for institutional control; once defined, behavior is governed by role expectations and sanctions.

In simple terms: Roles arise from shared knowledge and shape behavior.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and reflect on role expectations.

Themes

sociology institutionalization role theory social interaction

Mood

analytical critical reflective

Type

theoretical explanatory philosophical

When to use this quote

  • organizational management
  • legal systems
  • education
  • healthcare
  • community governance

Key Concepts

social construction norm enforcement institutional order

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify the roles that shape your actions?
  • What happens when a role is contested?
A Different Perspective

Roles can limit individual autonomy and may be resisted.

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