In Social Role Theory, what does the acronym RC stand for?

• A. Role Ambiguity
• B. Role Complementary
• C. Role Discomplementary
• D. Role Reversal

Answer: (B)

In Social Role Theory, the idea is that gendered expectations are built from how social roles fit together within a culture. RC stands for role complementarity, describing how the different roles men and women occupy are arranged to complement each other and meet social needs. This complementarity helps explain why certain behaviors and tasks are expected of each gender and why those expectations reinforce a stable division of labor—for example, roles like breadwinner and caregiver are seen as fitting together in a way that supports the family system. This concept is distinct from role ambiguity, which is about unclear expectations, and from role reversal, which would imply swapping roles.