Reflect on roles: ascribed and function-contingent

Some roles are function-contingent, in that they depend on someone being able to do something (e.g., like the worker role). Some roles are more ascribed, in that they are attributed to a person essentially without having to do anything (e.g., many relationship roles) (p. 31, A brief introduction to Social Role Valorization, Wolfensberger, Training Institute for Human Service Planning, Leadership and Change Agentry, 2004).

Think about your social roles: which are function-contingent, and which are more ascribed? Reflect on how even ascribed roles can bring greater access to the good things of life. Let us know what you think.

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