​Merton's role theory reflects-

A. Consumerism

B. Role sets are composed of normative expectations and obligations

C. The actor internalises expectations

D. Gender roles

E. Conspicuous consumption

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

 B and C only

Robert K. Merton’s Role Theory primarily addresses how individuals perform roles based on societal expectations. His concept of role sets and the process by which actors internalize expectations are central to this theory.

• Option B: "Role sets are composed of normative expectations and obligations" → Correct

  • Merton introduced the concept of role sets, which refers to the multiple roles associated with a single social status. Each role comes with normative expectations and obligations, meaning society defines specific behaviors for individuals occupying a role.

• Option C: "The actor internalizes expectations" → Correct

  • Role theory suggests that individuals internalize social expectations, which guide their behavior. People learn how to perform roles through socialization and adjust their actions based on societal norms.

Other options are incorrect because they do not align with Merton’s role theory:

• Option A: "Consumerism" → Incorrect

  • Merton’s role theory does not focus on consumerism; instead, it emphasizes how social roles are structured.

• Option D: "Gender roles" → Incorrect

  • While gender roles involve expectations, they are more closely studied in feminist theory and symbolic interactionism rather than in Merton’s role theory.

• Option E: "Conspicuous consumption" → Incorrect

  • Conspicuous consumption is associated with Thorstein Veblen, not Merton. It refers to individuals purchasing luxury goods to display wealth.

Thus, the correct answer is B and C only (Option 3).

Information Booster: Key Aspects of Merton’s Role Theory

1. Role Set: Each social status involves multiple roles; for example, a teacher interacts differently with students, parents, and administrators.
2. Normative Expectations: Social roles come with predefined behaviors that individuals must follow.
3. Internalization of Roles: People learn and adopt roles through socialization, making role performance seem natural.
4. Role Strain: When conflicting demands exist within a single role (e.g., a teacher balancing discipline and support for students).
5. Role Conflict: When different roles held by an individual clash (e.g., a working mother balancing job responsibilities and childcare).
6. Status vs. Role: Status is a social position (e.g., doctor), while a role is the expected behavior associated with that status (e.g., treating patients).
7. Role Exit: The process of disengaging from a role that was previously central to one's identity (e.g., retiring from a profession).

Additional Information: 

• Consumerism (Incorrect: A): Associated with economic behavior rather than role theory.
• Gender Roles (Incorrect: D): Studied in feminist sociology, rather than in Merton’s functionalist framework.
• Conspicuous Consumption (Incorrect: E): Coined by Thorstein Veblen, referring to ostentatious spending to showcase wealth.