Define status, distinguish between ascribed, achieved, and master status, and give an example of each
What will be an ideal response?
A status is a socially defined position in a group or society characterized by certain
expectations, rights, and duties. Statuses exist independently of the specific people
occupying them. An ascribed status is a social position conferred at birth or received
involuntarily later in life, based on attributes over which the individual has little or no
control, such as race/ethnicity, age, and gender. An achieved status is a social position
that a person assumes voluntarily as a result of personal choice, merit, or direct effort.
Achieved statuses (such as occupation, education, and income) are thought to be
gained as a result of personal ability or successful competition. Most occupational
positions in modern societies are achieved statuses. Ascribed statuses have a
significant influence on the achieved statuses we occupy. A master status is the most
important status that person occupies, dominating all the person's other statuses.
Occupation is an example of a master status.
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