Each person gets so many varied prescriptions of how he or she should behave that it is inevitable that conflicts should arise. When we are aware of an inconsistency between the roles that we have assumed, between opinions, beliefs, or attitudes, or between a particular role and the situation in which we find ourselves, we: are inclined to try to do something to reduce that inconsistency. We may try to change our belief or attitude to bring it more in line with the role we play. We may give up one role that is in conflict with another. Or we may resort to the defensive behavior of rationalization to try to push the inconsistency asid.
While some people find it difficult to shift from one role to another,' as we all do at times, others enjoy varying their roles and their behaviors. We like to have some choice about the roles we play, but regardless of our positions, society seems to create certain roles for us. This is well illustrated in male and female role expectancy.
