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role theory (social role theory)

Definition of Role Theory

(noun) Any sociological theory asserting the importance of roles and role taking in creating and maintaining society.

Role Theory Pronunciation

Pronunciation Usage Guide

Syllabification: role the·o·ry

Audio Pronunciation

– American English
– British English

Phonetic Spelling

  • American English – /rOHl thEE-uhr-ree/
  • British English – /rOHl thIUH-ree/

International Phonetic Alphabet

  • American English – /roʊl ˈθɪəri/
  • British English – /rəʊl ˈθɪəri/

Usage Notes

  • Plural: role theories
  • The terms “role theory” and “social role theory” are used interchangeably in a sociological context.

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Cite the Definition of Role Theory

ASA – American Sociological Association (5th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2014. “role theory.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved March 28, 2024 (https://sociologydictionary.org/role-theory/).

APA – American Psychological Association (6th edition)

role theory. (2014). In K. Bell (Ed.), Open education sociology dictionary. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/role-theory/

Chicago/Turabian: Author-Date – Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2014. “role theory.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://sociologydictionary.org/role-theory/.

MLA – Modern Language Association (7th edition)

“role theory.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Ed. Kenton Bell. 2014. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://sociologydictionary.org/role-theory/>.