What term describes the difficulties arising from differing demands within the same social position?

The concept that best describes the difficulties arising from differing demands within the same social position is role strain. This term refers to the tension and stress experienced by an individual when faced with conflicting expectations or responsibilities associated with a single role. For example, a person who is a parent may struggle to balance the demands of being nurturing while also being a disciplinary figure, resulting in role strain.

In sociological terms, role strain highlights the challenges faced when trying to meet multiple expectations tied to a singular social role, leading to feelings of stress or inadequacy. This concept is distinct from role conflict, which arises when an individual faces conflicting demands from different roles, such as the expectations of being a parent versus those of being an employee. Understanding role strain is crucial for analyzing the pressures individuals face in fulfilling their social roles, making it a key term in the study of sociology.