What is the Difference Between Ascribed and Achieved Status?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between ascribed and achieved status lies in the way individuals attain them.
- Ascribed status is a social position that an individual inherits through birth or is assigned to them without reference to their innate differences or abilities. It is involuntary and beyond an individual's control. Examples of ascribed status include race, ethnicity, and the social class of one's parents. In many instances, ascribed status is pre-determined and immutable, making it nearly impossible for an individual to move up or down the social ladder.
- Achieved status refers to the position that an individual achieves through their dedication, commitment, skills, and qualities. It is gained through hard work, education, or social climbing and is changeable throughout one's life. Examples of achieved status include becoming a doctor, lawyer, or CEO through years of studying and gaining experience.
In ascribed status, individuals are often perceived as having certain characteristics or behaviors due to their social status, regardless of their actual qualities or actions. On the other hand, achieved status reflects an individual's work and effort, and it can be altered over time depending on their actions and choices.
Comparative Table: Ascribed vs Achieved Status
Ascribed status and achieved status are two different concepts in sociology. Here is a table summarizing the differences between them:
| Ascribed Status | Achieved Status |
|---|---|
| Position inherited through birth or other circumstances over which the individual has no control | Position earned or achieved through dedication, commitment, skills, and qualities |
| Examples: Race, ethnicity, social class of parents, and eye color | Examples: Level of education, professional status (e.g., doctor, lawyer), and social connections |
| Involuntary and cannot be changed | Changeable throughout one's life and can be earned or chosen |
Ascribed status refers to the social position an individual is born into, such as race, ethnicity, or social class of parents. It is involuntary and cannot be changed. On the other hand, achieved status refers to the social position an individual earns through their efforts, skills, and qualities, such as level of education, professional status, and social connections. Achieved status is changeable throughout one's life and can be earned or chosen.
- Achievement vs Attainment
- Success vs Achievement
- Role vs Status
- Accomplishment vs Achievement
- Obtain vs Attain
- Attain vs Attend
- Ambition vs Aspiration
- Self Esteem vs Self Actualization
- Award vs Reward
- Competence vs Performance
- Success vs Happiness
- Attribution Theory vs Locus of Control
- Acquire vs Obtain
- Values vs Goals
- Ambition vs Goal
- Reward vs Recognition
- Accredited vs Credited
- Permitted vs Granted
- Social Stratification vs Social Differentiation