Identifying the route of cultural behaviors is, in fact, where culture is best seen. (Geertz) .
The issue of naming, or identifying, applies to social structure, but in a different way. Our environment, which includes culture, and things that are non-human (i.e. housing), must be named to identify our "situation," and additionally those around us, and us as well. Labeling ourselves "leads directly to the concept of role." Sheldon Stryker develops this notion of "role theory" to identify how individuals fit into a particular social structure. Because roles have a bearing on behavior within society, and social structure "refers to the patterned regularities that characterized most human interaction," the two are directly related. One perspective is how Symbolic Interactionists view roles as positions, in a general sense, to describe "any socially recognized category of actors." These positions have behaviors associated with them, and serve to predict expected behaviors. Assuming a role, and developing an identity in role relationships, is parts of the self. These roles, in turn, are influenced by our social structure. (Stryker) .
As human beings, we may assume many roles and identities; however, our social structure may dictate which of these roles may dominant at a given time. College-aged males commonly hold the role of brother and student. When one chooses to go away to college to be a full-time student, their role as a brother is sacrificed. Although they may still be a brother, those everyday behaviors, such as going to sporting events, eating meals together, helping with homework, etc., associated with that role will no longer be possible- identities dictate commitment. This is just one example of how "commitment," as told by Stryker, often alters one's roles, or at least their participation, if you will, in one over another. (Stryker) .
Therefore, role has a direct effect on social structure, and vice-versa.
