Achieved Status vs. Ascribed Status

Attribute	Achieved Status	Ascribed Status
Definition	Based on an individual's accomplishments, skills, or efforts.	Assigned to individuals at birth or based on characteristics over which they have no control.
Examples	Education level, occupation, social position.	Gender, race, family background.
Acquired	Obtained through personal achievements and efforts.	Given or assigned by society or social institutions.
Changeable	Can be changed or altered throughout an individual's life.	Generally remains constant and difficult to change.
Merit-based	Based on an individual's abilities, skills, and qualifications.	Not based on individual merit, but rather on inherited characteristics or social positions.
Individual control	Individuals have some control over achieving or changing their status.	Individuals have little to no control over their ascribed status.

Introduction

In sociology, status refers to the position an individual holds in society, which comes with certain rights, responsibilities, and expectations. Status can be classified into two main types: achieved status and ascribed status. While both types of status play a significant role in shaping an individual's identity and social standing, they differ in terms of how they are acquired and the level of control an individual has over them.

Achieved Status

Achieved status refers to the social position that an individual attains through their own efforts, abilities, and accomplishments. It is based on personal merit, skills, education, and hard work. Achieved status is often associated with occupations, educational degrees, and other accomplishments that require effort and dedication. For example, becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer is considered an achieved status as it requires years of education, training, and passing certain examinations.

One of the key characteristics of achieved status is that it is voluntary and within an individual's control. People have the agency to work towards achieving a particular status and can actively pursue the necessary steps to attain it. This means that individuals have the ability to change their achieved status throughout their lives. For instance, someone who starts as a salesperson can work their way up to become a manager or even a company executive through hard work, experience, and demonstrating leadership skills.

Another important aspect of achieved status is that it is often associated with social mobility. Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one social position to another. Achieved status allows individuals to move up or down the social ladder based on their efforts and achievements. This means that individuals have the potential to improve their social standing and gain higher levels of respect, influence, and power in society.

However, it is important to note that achieved status is not solely determined by an individual's abilities and efforts. Factors such as social class, race, and gender can also influence the opportunities and resources available to individuals, affecting their ability to achieve certain statuses. Nevertheless, achieved status provides individuals with a sense of accomplishment and recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Ascribed Status

Ascribed status, on the other hand, refers to the social position that an individual is assigned at birth or later in life based on characteristics that are beyond their control. These characteristics include factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, family background, and age. Ascribed status is often associated with inherited wealth, social class, and family lineage.

Unlike achieved status, ascribed status is involuntary and not based on personal merit or accomplishments. Individuals have no control over the ascribed statuses they are born into or assigned later in life. For example, being born into a wealthy family automatically grants an individual a high social status, regardless of their personal achievements or abilities.

Ascribed status can also be influenced by societal norms and expectations. For instance, in many societies, being male or female is an ascribed status that comes with specific roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Similarly, being born into a particular racial or ethnic group can lead to ascribed statuses that come with certain privileges or disadvantages.

One of the key characteristics of ascribed status is its stability and resistance to change. Unlike achieved status, which can be altered through personal efforts, ascribed status tends to remain relatively constant throughout an individual's life. This means that individuals may face limitations and barriers in terms of social mobility based on their ascribed statuses.

It is important to recognize that ascribed status does not define an individual's abilities, skills, or worth. However, it can significantly impact an individual's life chances, opportunities, and access to resources. Societies that place a strong emphasis on ascribed status can perpetuate inequalities and limit social mobility for certain groups.

Comparison

While achieved status and ascribed status have distinct characteristics, they are both important in understanding the complexities of social stratification and the dynamics of social interactions. Here are some key points of comparison between the two:

1. Acquisition

Achieved status is acquired through an individual's efforts, abilities, and accomplishments. It requires personal agency and active pursuit. In contrast, ascribed status is assigned to individuals based on characteristics beyond their control, such as race, gender, or family background.

2. Control

Individuals have control over their achieved status as they can actively work towards attaining or changing it. On the other hand, individuals have no control over their ascribed status as it is assigned to them based on factors beyond their control.

3. Voluntariness

Achieved status is voluntary, meaning individuals have the choice to pursue or reject certain statuses. Ascribed status, however, is involuntary, as individuals have no say in the statuses they are born into or assigned later in life.

4. Social Mobility

Achieved status allows for social mobility, enabling individuals to move up or down the social ladder based on their efforts and achievements. Ascribed status, on the other hand, can limit social mobility as it is often associated with inherited privileges or disadvantages that are difficult to overcome.

5. Stability

Achieved status can change throughout an individual's life based on their choices and efforts. Ascribed status, however, tends to remain relatively stable and resistant to change, as it is based on characteristics that are not easily altered.

6. Merit vs. Inheritance

Achieved status is based on personal merit, skills, and accomplishments. It reflects an individual's abilities and efforts. Ascribed status, on the other hand, is often associated with inherited wealth, social class, and family background. It reflects the privileges or disadvantages an individual is born into.

Conclusion

Achieved status and ascribed status are two distinct types of social positions that individuals hold in society. While achieved status is acquired through personal efforts and accomplishments, ascribed status is assigned based on characteristics beyond an individual's control. Achieved status provides individuals with agency, social mobility, and the ability to change their position in society. Ascribed status, on the other hand, can limit social mobility and perpetuate inequalities. Understanding the differences between these two types of status is crucial in analyzing social stratification, inequality, and the dynamics of social interactions.