What is social status? How is social status acquired?
A. Introduction of social status
Sociology is one of a member of social sciences that attempt to explain and understand the behavior 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 behavior that . At a basic level, people tend to associate themselves with those from the same society that gives them social identity.
According to sociologists, “social status” describes the position a person occupies in a particular setting. We all occupy several statuses and play the “roles” that may be associated with them. Several important social divisions within any society tend to give rise to cultural differences in lifestyle. These social divisions are also important as sources of inequality and differences in identity.
It plays a crucial role in shaping an 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.
B. 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 –
I. Economic status – Economic status refers to individuals’ wealth, income, and material possessions, often determining their social standing and lifestyle. 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.
II. 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. Specialized skills, expertise, and social influence are factors that often elevate the occupational status of doctors, lawyers, and executives. Factors such as job stability, career advancement opportunities, and societal perceptions can influence occupational status.
III. Educational attainment – Educational attainment indicates individuals’ level of education and academic achievement, which can affect their social opportunities and mobility.
IV. 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.
C. How is social status acquired ?
Sociologists find that social status can be mainly of two types: ‘ascribed’ or inherited and ‘achieved’ or ‘acquired’. Birth determines the sex and age of the child finally and conclusively, as also his ethnic and family background.
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.
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.
