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This paper pleads for hermeneutic processes to be taken into account in the discussion of role conflict. In order to avoid reification of mechanistic assumptions underlying cross-pressure models of social action, it is suggested that theory as well as research should take into consideration that norms and behaviour are mediated by interpretative processes. These constitute a level of `social understanding' which can be operationalized in role-conflict terms as three different types of conflict. Reciprocity of perspectives and evaluation, as the main dimensions of interpretation processes, are shown to be the main features of conflicts in role interaction.

This study proceeded from the general theoretical position that dress is a significant element in role enactment and addressed the specific question of why there is apparent conflict regarding what form of dress is appropriate to enactment of the role of the Roman Catholic priest. Data
analyzed were drawn from a study of 5,475 American Catholic priests. Priests who conformed to church regulations regarding dress differed from nonconformists in their beliefs about their roles as priests and in their opinions of church reform, commitment to the priesthood, feelings of anomie,
rank within the priesthood, and age.