What is social status? How is it acquired?

What is social status? How is social status acquired?

 

Introduction of social status

Sociology is one of a member of social sciences that attempt to explain and understand the behaviour of human beings in society. Social status is a fundamental concept in sociology. “Social status” is the position that an individual is expected to hold in a group or a community; and the

behaviour that we expect from the person holding such a person is his ‘role’. At a basic level, people tends to associate themselves with those from the same society that gives them social identity. Social identity has been defined as ‘our understanding of who we are, and who other people are’.

According to sociologists, “social status” describes the position a person occupies in a particular setting. We all occupy several statuses and play the roles associated with them. Society itself creates an orderly division of labour by giving different persons different positions and assigning to each position the behaviour generally expected of them. There are a number of important social divisions within any society that tend to give rise to cultural differences in lifestyle. These social divisions are also important as sources of inequality and differences in identity.

Social status refers to the position or rank that an individual holds within a social hierarchy, often determined by factors

such as wealth, occupation, education and social connections. It plays a crucial role in shaping individual’s access to resources, opportunities, and privileges, as well as their social standing

and reputation within society. Social status can be hierarchical, with some individuals occupying higher positions than others, and can vary across different social contexts

and cultures.

Aspects/dimensions of social status

Social status encompasses multiple aspects that reflect individuals’ relative positions within society. Various aspects/dimensions of social status are as follows –

1. Economic status – Economic status refers to individuals’ wealth, income, and material possessions, which often determine their social standing and lifestyle. Wealth encompasses assets such as property, investments, and savings, while income represents earnings from employment, investments, or other sources. Individuals with higher economic status typically enjoy greater financial security, access to luxury goods and services, and opportunities for leisure and consumption. Economic status influences individuals’ access to education, healthcare, housing, and other essential resources, shaping their quality of life and socioeconomic well-being.

2. Occupational status – Occupational status reflects individuals’ job titles, roles, and levels of authority within organizations, influencing their social prestige and recognition. Occupations vary in terms of skill requirements, educational qualifications, income levels, and social recognition. Professions such as doctors, lawyers, and executives are often associated with higher occupational status, given their specialized skills, expertise, and social influence. Occupational status can also be influenced by factors such as job stability, career advancement opportunities, and societal perceptions of the importance and prestige of different occupations.

3. Educational attainment – Educational attainment indicates individuals’ level of education and academic achievement, which can affect their social opportunities and mobility. Higher levels of education are associated with greater knowledge, skills, and intellectual capabilities, as well as higher earning potential and occupational status. Educational attainment serves as a key determinant of social status, influencing individuals’ access to higher-paying jobs, professional networks, and social mobility.

4. Social prestige – Social prestige encompasses individuals’ reputation, respect, and social standing within their communities, based on factors such as social connections, achievements, and contributions to society. People often associate social prestige with individuals’ involvement in community organizations, philanthropic activities, or leadership roles. Others admire, respect, and esteem individuals with higher social prestige within their social circles, which gives them greater social influence and recognition. Cultural norms, social networks, and societal values regarding status and success influence social prestige.

Here we will learn the concept of how social status is acquired?

 

How do people acquire social status?

Sociologists find that social status can be mainly of two types: ‘ascribed’ or inherited and ‘achieved’ or ‘acquired’. If birth determines an individual’s status, people 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 inherited status and the question of

changing it in his life time is virtually as absurdity. An individual may be born into a status, as when he is born rich or poor, but he may ‘acquire’

another status in his life time with the exercise of his ability, skill or knowledge. As we shall look up, society divides into several economic classes or divisions, and people may be poor,

rich or of the middle category. Status attainment refers to the process by which individuals acquire and achieve their social status through education, occupation, and social

networks. Social mobility refers to changes in individuals’ social status over the life course, which can be upward, downward, or lateral. Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ perceptions of social status and their aspirations for status attainment.

Individuals acquire their social status with efforts on their actions, merit, skills, abilities, experience and efforts. Each contributes to increasing social status. In business terms, an achieved status can be when we receive a promotion because of our hard work and contributions

to the company. A position in any institution or an achievement we accomplished may indicate an achieved status sociologically. Having statuses and hierarchies in society and business can be important as it can outline the expectations, behaviours, obligations and

duties of people who have reached a certain status.