What is meant by 'role conflict'?

The term 'role conflict' refers to a situation where an individual faces competing demands arising from different social roles they occupy. This occurs when the expectations associated with various roles clash or cause stress, making it difficult for the individual to fulfill all these demands simultaneously. For instance, a person may experience role conflict when they are trying to meet the expectations of being a devoted parent while also fulfilling the responsibilities of their job, leading to feelings of pressure or inadequacy in both areas.

In this context, harmony between social roles, clear expectations from a single role, or isolation from social obligations do not accurately capture the essence of role conflict. Instead, the competing demands from various roles characterize the challenges individuals face, highlighting the complexity of managing different roles within their lives.