Which term describes a position that a person occupies due to their own actions, often through competition?

Which term describes a position that a person occupies due to their own actions, often through competition?

• A. Social status
• B. Ascribed status
• C. Master status
• D. Achieved status

Answer: (D)

Achieved status describes a position that a person occupies due to their own actions, choices, and often through competition. It emphasizes earning the role through merit and effort, such as becoming a professional in a chosen field or climbing to a leadership position. This contrasts with an ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or without regard to one’s actions (like family background or age), and with master status, which is the most dominant identity shaping how others view a person, regardless of how that status was obtained. The key idea is that the position is earned through personal effort and competition, which is why this term fits best.

Achieved status describes a position that a person occupies due to their own actions, choices, and often through competition. It emphasizes earning the role through merit and effort, such as becoming a professional in a chosen field or climbing to a leadership position. This contrasts with an ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or without regard to one’s actions (like family background or age), and with master status, which is the most dominant identity shaping how others view a person, regardless of how that status was obtained. The key idea is that the position is earned through personal effort and competition, which is why this term fits best.