This monograph applies ideas from the field of role theory to the study of occupations, beginning with an historical overview of role theory concepts. The analysis of occupations is presented from both a group-centered and person-centered position. Within the group-centered analysis, organizations, work groups, and communities are discussed, and types of social relationships are delineated. In the person-centered analysis, situs and station concepts are introduced and discussed. Some of the dimensions of roles useful in analyzing occupational structure are studied, including orientation to group boundaries, span of association, and dominance. Four independent variables--culture, personality, situation, and interaction--are introduced and their relationship to the occupational structure is described. The study also covers occupational role stresses, several theories of occupational ranking, and the dynamics of occupational behavior. Finally, a methodological framework is suggested for research in occupations using the role theory approach, including attention to data-collection methods, interviewing, sampling, questionnaires, and analysis. (Author)