How does existential therapy view societal roles?

Existential therapy primarily understands societal roles as constructs that can inhibit authentic living. This perspective emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and authenticity in an individual's life. While societal roles can provide structure and a sense of belonging, they can also impose restrictions, sidetracking individuals from pursuing their true selves and desires.

The stated role of these societal constructs is to challenge individuals to recognize and navigate the expectations placed upon them, ultimately guiding them to discover their own values and meanings in life. By confronting and potentially rejecting societal pressures, individuals are encouraged to embrace authenticity and foster a deeper understanding of themselves, which is central to the process of personal growth.

In contrast, the other options highlight perceptions of societal roles that do not align with this existential view. Some may see these roles as inherently necessary or even obligatory, which does not resonate with the existential emphasis on individualism and self-actualization. Others might view societal roles as completely irrelevant to personal development, failing to recognize how these roles can both shape and challenge one’s journey toward authentic existence.