Ascribed status refers to traits a person is born with that partially predict their social standing, such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Other factors like parental socioeconomic status and genetics can also impact social positioning. Some cultures are more permissive of ascribed status achieving high status than others. Sociologists view ascribed status as a partial influence on success mediated by attainment and cultural beliefs.
Ascribed status is a sociological term that refers to certain things about an individual that they are born with or simply possess that are partially predictive of a social standing. Some common traits that confer status are ethnicity, age, and gender, and the degree to which these have an effect depends on society. Being born a woman in some cultures means having fewer opportunities, for example. The types of status that are attributed are often contrasted with the status achieved or those things that an individual can do to achieve a higher social position.
In addition to status-determining factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity, there are likely other factors that help determine a person’s social standing and level of opportunity. The socioeconomic status of parents, and subsequently of each individual, can have an effect on how much status a person can achieve. Numerous studies have evaluated how an attributed status such as parental education or the ability to afford health care can influence a person’s social positioning throughout their life. Another area worth considering is genetics, as many diseases, such as mental illness, can be passed on from one generation to the next and could impair a person’s ability to perform.
Some cultures have a high tolerance for people of any ascribed status achieving any possible status achieved. In places like the United States, different ethnicities and genders can achieve high levels of status, although generally the status ascribed to a person can create or remove barriers. For example, most women still earn less than men working the same jobs, even though some women are hugely financially successful.
Other cultures are notoriously much less permissive of some people with ascribed status who achieve high status attained. In countries where there is a strong focus on caste, some people may, by birth, only be able to progress so far. Lower castes, generally determined by family of origin, may not enjoy the same economic freedoms or opportunities. A number of countries also place severe restrictions on women’s activities, which means that their ability to get things done is limited. Socioeconomic levels, class, religious or sexual preferences are other potential areas that could limit results.
Sociologists tend to view ascribed status as a partial influence on a person’s success that is mediated by attainment and cultural beliefs. Because cultures can change their opinions, the status attributed to them can become more or less important over the course of a person’s life. Also, despite disadvantageous circumstances, few people still achieve great things. Therefore, this status is somewhat, but not totally, predictive of a person’s eventual social standing.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
