Which term describes a social position that is attained through personal effort and competition?

Which term describes a social position that is attained through personal effort and competition?

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

Answer: (D)

Achieved status describes a social position that a person fills through personal effort, choices, and competition. It comes from what you do and accomplish—like earning a degree, gaining a professional credential, or climbing in a career—rather than something you’re born with. Because it depends on actions and performance, it can change over time; someone can transition from student to professional through study, work, and opportunity. This is different from an ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or involuntarily and isn’t earned through effort, such as family background or ethnicity. The idea here is about the earned, competitive aspect of the position, which is why achieved status is the best description.

Achieved status describes a social position that a person fills through personal effort, choices, and competition. It comes from what you do and accomplish—like earning a degree, gaining a professional credential, or climbing in a career—rather than something you’re born with. Because it depends on actions and performance, it can change over time; someone can transition from student to professional through study, work, and opportunity.

This is different from an ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or involuntarily and isn’t earned through effort, such as family background or ethnicity. The idea here is about the earned, competitive aspect of the position, which is why achieved status is the best description.