Social Roles In Social Work

The social statuses individuals play every day are complex, and may sometimes be at odds with each other. This was quite apparent when I sat down to interview my friend John. At first glance, most would see John as a typical aging hipster, which is partly correct. However, at forty-five years of age, the complexities of the social roles played by John are immense to say the least.
John is a very interesting individual. He is a hard worker who struggles to keep a full time laborer job, while possessing a master’s degree in engineering. He is a “trendy” looking man, dressed all in black with leather bondage bracelets, and biker boots adorned with chains. He has perfectly manicured hair and an outstandingly awesome beard. Contrast this with his

He resists the stereotypes that others place upon him. Stereotypes are the “assumptions of what people are like, whether true or false” (Henslin, 2013, p. 118). John does not use drugs, rarely drinks alcohol, and is highly motivated, definitely not the “stereotypical” homeless man. He hides his homeless status from most of his friends and many of his family members, as he does not want this to be his master status, or the “status that cuts across the other statuses that an individual” (Henslin, 2013, p. 107), which could change the way he is viewed by them. John intentionally restricts his social interactions with others, especially with other homeless individuals, to avoid drama. While constantly looking out for the few lucky individuals he allows in his world.
Of the roles John plays daily, he stated that “Being a homeless man is the main role I wish I could do less often; I would prefer not playing this role at all”, (John, personal communication, October 12, 2015). The sentiment is shared by many of the homeless individuals I have encountered, but not all. John said that this has been one of the biggest challenges he has ever faced, but he is certain this is just a temporary situation. And, from what I can tell from the short time I have known John, this statement is completely