Which term in Social Role Theory describes when the role expectations of others differ from the individual's own?

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

Answer: (C)

In Social Role Theory, role discomplementary describes the mismatch where others’ expectations for a role clash with how the individual understands or would enact that role. This misalignment creates tension because external demands push the person in a direction that doesn’t fit their own beliefs or intentions, leading to challenges in behavior, communication, and role performance.

Role ambiguity would be about not knowing what is expected, rather than a misfit with one’s own view. Role complementary means the external expectations align with the individual’s own sense of the role, and role reversal involves switching roles or adopting the other person’s role.