Define “Ascribed status” in detail.
Here we will Define Ascribed Status in detail.
Sociologists find that social status can be mainly of two types: ‘ascribed’ or inherited and ‘achieved’ or ‘acquired’. Ascribed status is a term used in sociology that refers to the social status of a person that is assigned at birth. If birth determines an individual’s status, people would regard it as an ascribed status. Birth determines the sex and age of the child finally and conclusively, as also his ethnic and family background.
In our country, birth in a particular caste among the Hindus is clearly an ascribed status and the question of changing it in his life time is virtually as absurdity. The ascribed status is neither earned by the person nor chosen for them. The practice of assigning ascribed status to individuals exists cross culturally within all societies. And is based on gender, race, family origins, and ethnic backgrounds. Ascribed status plays an important role in societies because it can provide the members with a defined and unified identity.
Religion also factors into an individual’s ascribed status. If a person’s family identifies with a particular religion, be it Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, etc, generally people may presume that person will adopt the same religion as their biological parents. Hence an individual’s religion becomes a part of his or her ascribed status.
Ascribed status refers to a social position or status that a person is assigned at birth or involuntarily later in life. It is not earned by effort, choice, or achievement.
Key Characteristics
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Given, not earned
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Based on birth or biological factors
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Usually permanent or difficult to change
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Common in traditional and hierarchical societies
Examples of Ascribed Status
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Gender (male, female, transgender)
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Age (child, adult, elderly)
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Caste (in some societies)
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Race or ethnicity
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Family background (royal family, poor family)
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Nationality (Indian, American)
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Physical disabilities
Importance of Ascribe Status in Society
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Influences social roles and expectations
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Affects access to education, occupation, and power
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Can create social inequality
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Often determines a person’s starting position in life
Ascribed Status vs Achieved Status
Ascribed Status |
Achieved Status |
|---|---|
Given by birth |
Earned by effort |
Not changeable |
Changeable |
Example: caste |
Example: profession |
Definitions of Ascribed Status
Ralph Linton: Ascribed status is a social position assigned to an individual at birth or involuntarily, without reference to personal ability or effort.
Kingsley Davis: Ascribed status refers to positions in society that individuals occupy because of factors beyond their control, such as birth, sex, or age.
MacIver and Page: Ascribed status is that position in society which is fixed for an individual by birth and is not achieved through individual effort.
Horton and Hunt: Ascribed status is a social status that a person is born with or receives involuntarily later in life.
Ogburn and Nimkoff: Ascribed status is a status over which the individual has little or no control and which is assigned by society.
Features of Ascribed Status
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Assigned by Birth
Society gives ascribed status to an individual at birth or involuntarily later in life. -
No Personal Effort Required
You do not earn it through talent, education, or hard work. -
Based on Biological or Social Factors
Factors such as age, sex, caste, race, family background, and nationality determine it. -
Generally Permanent
Most ascribed statuses are difficult or impossible to change. -
Universal in All Societies
Every society recognizes some form of ascribed status. -
Common in Traditional Societies
It plays a major role in societies where customs and traditions are strong. -
Influences Social Roles
It determines expected behavior, duties, and responsibilities of individuals. -
May Cause Social Inequality
Ascribed status can lead to unequal opportunities and discrimination.