What is Achieved status? Explained

"Achieved status" is a term used in sociology to refer to a social position that a person attains through their own efforts or actions. It is in contrast to "ascribed status," which is a social position that is assigned to a person based on factors such as birth, race, or sex. Examples of achieved status include becoming a doctor, a lawyer, or a CEO, while examples of ascribed status include being born into a certain race or into a certain socioeconomic class.

Example of "achieved status":

An example of achieving a certain status is becoming a professional athlete. In this case, an individual works hard to develop their skills and abilities in a particular sport, and through dedication and perseverance, they are able to secure a spot on a professional team. This status is achieved through their own efforts and abilities rather than being assigned to them based on factors such as their race, sex, or socioeconomic background.

Some features of achieving this status include:

• It is earned through an individual's own efforts or actions.
• It is often based on merit, skills, or qualifications.
• It is not determined by factors such as birth, race, or sex.
• It may be accompanied by prestige, respect, and social honor.
• It may provide opportunities for upward social mobility.
• Achieved status can be lost or changed through life circumstances or choices.
• Some examples of achieving status include becoming a doctor, lawyer, or CEO, or becoming a professional athlete or musician.

Achieved status is a concept that was developed by sociologists and social theorists. It was first introduced by the American sociologist Ralph Linton in 1936 in his book "The Study of Man." Linton was one of the first sociologists to use the concepts of "achieved status" and "ascribed status" to analyze the different ways in which social positions are acquired and held within society. Later, this distinction was popularised by the American sociologist Robert K. Merton in his 1938 work "Social Structure and Anomie." Merton further expanded the concept of achieved status, emphasising the relationship between status, role, and the expectations that come with it.