Achieved status refers to the social standing or position that an individual attains based on their own efforts and accomplishments. It is in contrast to ascribed status, which is determined by factors such as one's birth or family background. Achieved status can include educational achievements, career accomplishments, or personal skills. For example, becoming a doctor or lawyer is an achieved status because it requires a specific level of education and professional achievement.
Similarly, winning an Olympic gold medal or becoming a successful entrepreneur can be considered achieved statuses. These statuses are not fixed and can change over time as individuals continue to achieve new goals and accomplishments.
In summary, achieved status is the result of an individual's efforts and accomplishments, and it plays a significant role in shaping their social standing and identity.
Key Takeaways
- Achieved status is based on an individual's personal efforts and accomplishments, rather than being assigned at birth.
- Factors such as education, occupation, income, and social recognition contribute to an individual's achieved status.
- Higher achieved status often leads to greater privileges and advantages in society.
- Achieved status is important for analyzing social hierarchies and understanding social inequalities.
What is Achieved Status?
Achieved status refers to the social position that an individual attains through personal effort and accomplishments. Unlike ascribed status, which is determined by factors such as birth, family, or gender, achieved status is acquired through one's own abilities, skills, and actions. It is based on an individual's merit, qualifications, and achievements.
In society, achieved status can be gained through education, career accomplishments, personal achievements, or any other form of recognition. For example, a person who graduates from a prestigious university and becomes a successful doctor has achieved a high social status based on their educational and professional accomplishments.
Here are some examples of achieved status:
- Educational Achievements: Attaining a college degree, completing a professional certification, or acquiring specialized skills through vocational training.
- Career Accomplishments: Advancing to a higher position within an organization, earning promotions, or receiving awards for outstanding performance.
- Personal Achievements: Winning a sports competition, publishing a book, or creating a successful business.
- Social Contributions: Making significant contributions to society through philanthropy, activism, or community service.
It is important to note that achieved status can change throughout an individual's life. People have the potential to acquire new skills, education, or accomplishments, which can lead to a higher social status. Additionally, achieved status can vary across different societies and cultures, as the criteria for success and recognition may differ.
Achieved status is the social position that individuals attain through their own efforts and accomplishments. it is based on merit, qualifications, and achievements rather than on characteristics determined at birth. achieved status can be gained through various means such as education, career accomplishments, personal achievements, or social contributions.
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Examples of Achieved Status
Achieved status refers to the social position a person attains through their own efforts and accomplishments. Unlike ascribed status, which is determined by factors such as birth, achieved status is acquired based on one's individual skills, abilities, and actions.
Education
Attaining a high level of education, such as obtaining a college degree or acquiring specialized certifications, can lead to achieved status. For instance, becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer requires years of dedicated study and hard work. These professions often come with a higher social status and greater respect in society.
Career Success
Advancing in one's career and achieving success in the professional realm is another example of achieved status. Climbing the corporate ladder, earning promotions, and assuming leadership roles are indicators of one's accomplishments and contribute to their social standing. For example, a CEO or a manager with a prestigious company holds an achieved status that comes with power and influence.
Athletic Achievement
Becoming a professional athlete or excelling in a particular sport is a notable achieved status. Athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sport through rigorous training, exceptional talent, and record-breaking performances gain recognition and admiration. Their achieved status is often accompanied by fame, wealth, and endorsements.
Artistic Talent
Artists, musicians, and performers who achieve recognition for their creative abilities also attain an achieved status. Whether it's winning prestigious awards, having their work showcased in galleries, or selling out concert venues, these individuals are esteemed for their artistic accomplishments. Achieved status in the arts can lead to fame, critical acclaim, and financial success.
Entrepreneurship
Starting and successfully running a business can elevate an individual's social status. Entrepreneurs who build thriving ventures through innovation, risk-taking, and strategic decision-making are seen as accomplished individuals. Achieved status as a successful entrepreneur can bring wealth, influence, and admiration from others.
Achieved status is determined by individual effort, skills, and accomplishments. education, career success, athletic achievement, artistic talent, and entrepreneurship are all examples of achieved status. these examples demonstrate how individuals can attain different levels of social standing based on their own achievements and contributions to society.
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Frequently Asked Question
Achieved status refers to a social position that an individual attains through their own efforts or achievements. It is not based on factors such as birth or family background. Examples of achieved status include being a professional athlete, a successful entrepreneur, or a renowned artist. These positions are typically gained as a result of hard work, skills, and abilities.
In achieving an achieved status, individuals often go through a series of steps or milestones. For instance, a student starts by pursuing education and completes a degree program to become a professional in their chosen field. Similarly, individuals may undergo training, gain experience, and exhibit exceptional talent to achieve recognition in their respective areas.
Achieved status can bring several benefits, including social recognition, financial rewards, and increased opportunities. However, it also comes with certain challenges and responsibilities. Individuals with achieved status are often expected to maintain a certain level of performance and continue to work hard to maintain their position.
It is important to note that achieved status can vary across different societies and cultures. What is considered an achieved status in one society may be seen as an ascribed status in another. Additionally, achieved status can change over time as individuals progress in their careers or acquire new skills.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful".
To answer the specific questions:
- Is motherhood an achieved status? Motherhood is generally considered an ascribed status rather than an achieved status. It is typically based on biological factors, such as giving birth or adopting a child, rather than personal achievements.
- Is being a student an achieved status? Being a student can be both an achieved status and an ascribed status, depending on the context. While the act of enrolling in a school or educational program can be considered an achieved status, the status of being a student can also be ascribed to individuals based on their age or level of education.
- Is religion an achieved status? Religion is primarily considered an ascribed status as it is often determined by factors such as birth or family background. However, an individual's level of religious commitment or involvement can be seen as an achieved status, as it may require personal beliefs, practices, and dedication.
Achieved status plays a significant role in shaping individuals' social positions and opportunities, highlighting the importance of personal effort and accomplishments in society.
To sum upAchieved status refers to the social position or rank that an individual attains through their own efforts and achievements. It is a result of personal attributes, abilities, and accomplishments rather than being assigned by society at birth. Achieved status can vary greatly depending on factors such as education, occupation, income, and social recognition.
Individuals with high achieved status often enjoy privileges and advantages in society, while those with low achieved status may face barriers and limitations. Understanding achieved status is important for analyzing social hierarchies and inequalities, as well as for understanding the opportunities and challenges individuals face in their social interactions and life experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of achieved status?
Achieved status refers to a position or role that an individual has attained through their own efforts, such as through education, career success, or personal achievements. It is contrasted with ascribed status, which is a position or role that is assigned at birth or by other external factors.
Achieved status is significant because it allows individuals to have control over their own social standing and can lead to greater opportunities and respect in society.
How does achieved status differ from ascribed status?
Achieved status and ascribed status are two different types of social status. Achieved status refers to a position or role that an individual has attained through their own efforts, such as through education, career success, or personal achievements. On the other hand, ascribed status is a position or role that is assigned at birth or by other external factors, such as race, gender, or social class.
The main difference between the two is that achieved status is something that individuals have control over, while ascribed status is not. Achieved status is often seen as more desirable because it allows individuals to have control over their own social standing.
Can achieved status be lost?
Yes, achieved status can be lost. If an individual fails to maintain their achievements or experiences a significant setback, such as losing a job or being stripped of a title, their achieved status can be taken away. However, this is not always the case, as some forms of achieved status, such as personal achievements, cannot be taken away once they have been attained.