Occurs when people disengage from social roles that have been central to their self-identity.
A Orole conflict
B Orole strain
C Orole exit
D Orole departure
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Role exit.
Role exit occurs when individuals disengage from roles that were previously central to their identity. This process involves a person leaving behind a social role they had been invested in, whether due to personal choice, external pressure, or life circumstances. This transition can be a challenging and emotional experience, as the person has to navigate a new identity and a new set of expectations.
The process of role exit typically involves several stages. First, there is a recognition that the role is no longer fulfilling or relevant. This might be triggered by external factors such as job loss, retirement, or divorce, or internal factors like personal growth or changing values. As the individual begins to mentally disengage from the role, they start considering alternative identities that reflect their new situation. For example, a person who leaves a long-term job may start to redefine themselves not just as an employee but as a volunteer, retiree, or hobbyist.
In the second stage, the person may begin to act in ways that reflect this new identity. The shift might involve re-engaging in relationships that reflect the new role, finding new activities to fill the time once spent on the old role, or adopting new behaviors that align with the emerging identity.
Lastly, the final stage of role exit involves establishing a new sense of self and finding stability in the new role. This can be challenging, especially if the former role was a deeply ingrained part of the individual’s self-concept. The shift is often accompanied by a period of reflection, where the person may grieve the loss of their previous role and adjust to their new identity.
In contrast to role conflict, which arises when different roles have incompatible expectations, and role strain, where there are difficulties within a single role, role exit is a more profound shift involving the abandonment of a role altogether.