Final answer:
Dependency influences social roles as seen in the caregiver dynamic, highlighting role conflict and strain. For example, a working parent may experience role conflict when caregiver duties compete with work responsibilities. Gender-specific societal expectations also shape behavior, pointing to a pervasive societal dependency.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of dependency affecting social roles can be observed in the role of a caregiver. Dependency arises when one individual relies heavily on another for support, which can alter the caregiver's behavior and the roles they perform. In this dynamic, the caregiver may take on additional responsibilities such as providing emotional support, managing finances, and addressing medical needs, which can lead to role strain or role conflict.
For instance, if a parent also has a full-time job outside the home, they can experience role conflict when having to meet demands from both their workplace and caregiving duties. A sick child may require attention during a crucial work deadline, forcing the parent to choose between work responsibilities and family obligations. These contested demands highlight how dependency on a family role can profoundly impact social roles and personal behavior.
Additionally, societal expectations may influence individuals to conform to certain roles, such as gender-specific occupations. Women are often expected to take on care-related roles, while men may be encouraged to enter fields such as politics or law enforcement. These expectations demonstrate how society prescribes behavior based on gender, which can contribute to an individual's sense of dependency on fulfilling societal roles for validation and acceptance.