%0 Journal Article %T Towards A Model of Identity and Role Exit %A Jason S. Milne %J Sociation Today %D 2011 %I North Carolina Sociological Association %X Explanations of role exit often focus on how factors associated with a specific role that affect whether the individual will exit a role or not. Other research explains how identities affect our performance in a role. However, no one has yet to demonstrate the connection between role-set factors and identities, and role exit. Using data from a survey of 940 current and former soccer referees, this paper provides a model of role exit that involves a complex of processes that include role-set factors (structural and cultural factors) associated with a specific role and identity processes. Specifically, this paper demonstrates that, other than role conflict, identity processes explain the relationship between role-set factors and role exit. The model provides a beginning method for understanding the connection between identities and role exit. %K role exit %K coaches %K role conflict %K sport coaches %U http://www.ncsociology.org/sociationtoday/v92/roles.htm