What are role expectations?

Role expectations are what people think you should do or be when you're playing a certain part in a group or game.

Imagine you're at a park, and you're all playing tag. If you're the chaser, everyone expects you to run fast and try to catch the other players. But if you're the one who got tagged, people expect you to stop running and maybe even yell “You’re it!” That’s role expectations, what your job is in the game.

Now think of a superhero team. The captain usually gives orders, the scientist makes cool gadgets, and the fighter takes on the bad guys. Each person has their own job, and everyone knows what to expect from each other. That helps them work together better, like how your friends know you're good at jumping when you're playing tag.

If someone forgets their job, like if the scientist just runs around instead of making gadgets, it might be confusing, but that’s okay! Role expectations help things go smoothly, but they’re not set in stone.