Types of Status

Status refers to the social position that an individual occupies in a society. It defines the person’s rights, duties, responsibilities, and relationships with others and provides a framework for social interaction. Status is not the person themselves but the position they hold within a social structure.

Sociologists categorize status into types such as ascribed status (assigned at birth, e.g., gender or caste), achieved status (earned through effort, e.g., doctor or teacher), and master status (a dominant status that shapes a person’s identity, e.g., disability or celebrity). Understanding status helps explain social roles, expectations, and the organization of society.

“Status refers to the social position that a person occupies in a society, defining their rights, duties, and relationships with others.” (Giddens, 2009)

“Status is a recognized social position that an individual holds, which organizes social interaction and provides a place in the social structure.” (Macionis, 2018)

“Status is the position of an individual in the social hierarchy, which carries associated roles, responsibilities, and expectations.” (MacIver & Page, 2008)

“Status is a position in a social system that is defined by a set of norms, duties, and rights, guiding the behavior of the individual who occupies it.” (Parsons, 1951)

“Status is the socially defined position of a person in relation to others, which determines how they are expected to behave and how others relate to them.” (Haralambos & Holborn, 2013)

Types of Status

·       Ascribed Status

Ascribed Status is a type of social status that an individual receives at birth or involuntarily, without personal choice or effort. It is determined by factors such as gender, ethnicity, caste, family background, or royal lineage, and often influences a person’s social identity and opportunities in life. For example, a person born into a Brahmin family in Nepal automatically holds an ascribed status based on caste, which shapes social expectations, roles, and interactions within the community.

·       Achieved Status

Achieved Status is a type of social status that an individual earns through personal effort, skills, abilities, or choices, rather than being assigned at birth. It reflects an individual’s accomplishments, education, occupation, or talents and often influences their social identity and mobility. For example, a person who studies hard and becomes a doctor achieves a social status based on their education and professional success, which is recognized and respected in society.

·       Master Status

Master Status is a type of social status that dominates all other statuses a person may hold and shapes their overall social identity and interactions. It is the status that is most important in defining how an individual is perceived by others and how they perceive themselves. For example, a person with a visible physical disability may be primarily identified by society through that disability, even though they may also hold other statuses such as parent, employee, or student.

Difference between Norms and Values