Have you ever felt stuck in one role with friends? Often we rely on the same social skills in group dynamics. They start as assets based on our strengths and preferences, but over time they can become a crutch - limiting growth in other areas. For example, always being the supportive friend or the jokester. I argue we can become a social Swiss army knife by developing other skills - even if it’s uncomfortable at first - which makes relationships healthier and conversations more enjoyable.
We’ll touch on role theory (with roots in social psychology and systems thinking) and pair it with real-life examples and a bit of research. This isn’t about becoming someone you’re not - it’s about expanding your social range and tapping dormant parts of yourself so you can show up more authentically.

(00:00) intro
(00:16) why I thought of this concept
(01:38) some of the role types
(03:09) origination in childhood
(04:50) reasons we may want to change this part 1
(05:25) role theory definition
(06:45) this varies in different social groups
(08:04) research on this and more types of roles
(11:32) reasons we may want to change this part 2
(14:46) expanding the definition of who you are
(17:29) how this will help you talk to anyone
(18:40) experimentation and awareness
Mentioned in the episode:
Is personality an illusion episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1I5mWjHDjPftoRLnKQOec8?si=b9d1e48622e245d8

Or on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pam-carey-show/id1732129494?i=1000648475710

APA definition mentioned: https://dictionary.apa.org/role-theory
Research on roles in groups: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1949-00677-001
More of the roles discussed from that research: https://www.comm.pitt.edu/roles-groups
Book Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg https://charlesduhigg.com/supercommunicators/

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