role model
Quick Summary
In sociology, a role model is a person whose behavior is imitated by others. People often admire and try to emulate role models.123
Social Cognitive Theory explains that individuals can acquire knowledge and behaviors by observing others, a process known as modeling. This learning occurs through social interactions and media. Whether a behavior is adopted depends on whether the model is rewarded or punished, influencing the observer's motivation and expectations. This concept is utilized in educational programming, where positive role models are presented to encourage the learning of desirable behaviors.4
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
