In the context of social roles, what do expectations dictate?

In the context of social roles, expectations dictate behavioral guidelines for individuals in specific positions. Social roles are a set of expectations that govern how individuals should behave in different contexts, such as being a student, parent, or employee. These expectations shape behavior by providing a framework for what is considered appropriate and acceptable in a given role. For instance, a teacher is expected to be knowledgeable and authoritative, while a student is expected to learn and engage in the classroom.

These behavioral guidelines help facilitate functioning within groups and societies by creating predictable interactions and roles for individuals to follow. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what social role expectations entail; personal preferences and desires are subjective and vary among individuals, while social interaction is broader than just the expectations tied to specific roles. Additionally, the notion of freedom to act without limitation contradicts the concept of social roles, which inherently come with certain constraints and guidelines for behavior.