Final answer:
A set of explanations about social position that outlines expected behavior is known as a role. It is not to be confused with status, which refers to a person's rank in a social hierarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
A set of explanations about social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave is known as a role. This concept outlines the pattern of behavior that is expected of a person within a specific setting or group. Social roles are defined by culturally shared knowledge, which means that in any given culture, there is a common understanding of what behavior is expected of someone in a certain role. For instance, the role of a student includes attending classes, taking notes, and listening to the instructor. It's important to differentiate between status, which refers to the rank in the social hierarchy, and social roles, which relate to the behaviors expected from someone holding a particular status.