Question

differentiate between role strain and role conflict what might be two forms of role strain facing a female college professor? what are the sources of these role strains? how might the individual resolve these strains?

Answer 1

Both role strains are role conflicts cause tension and distress to the individual. However, in case of role strain the tension is due to a single role whereas in case of role conflict, the tension occurs due to the presence of two or more competing roles. Using the example of a female college professor, one type of role strain maybe experienced due to a demanding work schedule that involves conducting several lectures a day, attending to numerous students, grading weekly assignments etc. now, another strain maybe in the form of the professor being in the home sphere, perhaps having to attend to her child’s needs, carrying out the daily household chore etc.

Perhaps the most optimal way to handle these strains would be time management and delegation of duties. It would be helpful if the professor could allocate specific blocks of time or her brooms activities and take up no more tasks than what her schedule can permit. In addition, she can delegate her responsibilities and duties to others such as her students, or assistant professors at work or her parents, spouse or household help.