How is "role strain" defined in sociology?

In sociology, "role strain" is accurately defined as the stress or tension experienced when a single role has conflicting demands. This concept captures the difficulties individuals face when they are unable to meet all the expectations associated with a specific role they occupy. For example, a student may experience role strain when they have to balance academic responsibilities with part-time work obligations, creating conflicting demands that lead to stress.

This understanding of role strain illustrates how individuals can feel overwhelmed by the expectations tied to just one role, as opposed to conflicts arising from having multiple roles, which is related to the concept known as "role conflict." Recognizing that role strain pertains specifically to a singular role helps clarify the nature of the pressures experienced.