Role Elements: A Link between Acculturation and Occupational Status

P E R S I S T E NT finding of American acculturation studiesl has ; been the direct relationship between occupation or social status w Xand acculturation. In a study investigating the acculturation of Hungarian immigrants, the author collected data bearing on this problem.2 The present paper, though dealing with role elements as they may influence the acculturation of any ethnic group, will make use of illustrative material from the earlier study. When this hypothesis about occupation and acculturation is examined in the context of personality and social structure, as is proposed here, it becomes possible to formulate a theoretical framework incorporating a dynamic and motivational basis for the descriptive relationship. In accordance with such a theoretical framework, this discussion will concern itself with the following issues: (I ) role elementscentral and peripheral; (2) occupational requirements and social structure; and (3) personality needs and motivation. Before turning to the theoretical section, it will be helpful to clarify the main concepts. Some of these concepts, e.g. role, status, and role set3 are sufficiently well-known in the literature and need no review. But there are additional concepts whichcan contribute to a more meaningful exposition and, therefore, should be considered. It is suggested, to begin with, that 'role set' should be extended to include the concept of role elements. Role elements may be defined as the specific behaviour patterns expected of the status-holder by the different members of the role set. For example, the schoolteacher's status implies not only expectations of a distinctly pedagogical nature on the part of pupils, colleagues, the Board of Education, and others in the role set, but also numerous expectations peripheral to pedagogy as such, which are nonetheless an integral part of the role definition. That is to say, the pupils will not only expect the teacher to teach, but also to wear shoes, to speak good English, to follow a prescribed schedule of class meetings,