What is role conflict?

Role conflict occurs when an individual faces competing demands or expectations from different social roles they occupy, leading to tension or difficulty in managing those roles effectively. This situation often arises in contexts where the responsibilities tied to one role clash with those related to another. For example, a person who is both a parent and a full-time employee might struggle to meet the expectations of being present for their child's activities while also fulfilling job duties, creating a conflict between work and family responsibilities.

The correct choice highlights this struggle, demonstrating how the demands of two roles can lead to stress or confusion, making it challenging to fulfill the requirements of each role satisfactorily. Understanding role conflict is important in sociology as it illustrates the complexities of social interactions and the pressures individuals face within their societal structures.