How do ascribed and achieved statuses differ? a. Ascribed status is based on income, while achieved status is based on power. b. Achieved status is based on parent status, ascribed status is not. c. Achieved status is fluid, while ascribed status is fixed. d. Ascribed status is based on systemic inequality, achieved status is not.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer:
c. Achieved status is fluid, while ascribed status is fixed.
Explanation:
In sociology, ascribed status and achieved status are two primary ways that individuals attain social positions in society.
- Ascribed Status:
- This is a social status that a person is born into and cannot change easily.
- It is fixed and determined by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, family background, and sometimes caste.
- Examples include royalty, ethnicity, gender, and social class at birth.
- Since it is involuntary, people cannot work towards or change their ascribed status in most cases.
- Achieved Status:
- This is a social position that is earned or acquired through an individual’s actions, choices, skills, or efforts.
- It is fluid, meaning it can change over time based on accomplishments.
- Examples include becoming a doctor, athlete, entrepreneur, or artist.
- Since it is based on merit, individuals have some degree of control over their achieved status.
Why Answer “C” is Correct:
The key difference between the two statuses lies in flexibility. Ascribed status is fixed, meaning an individual has no control over it. In contrast, achieved status is fluid, meaning a person can improve or change it through hard work, education, and experience.
Other answer choices are incorrect:
- (a) Incorrect: Ascribed status is not based on income, and achieved status is not strictly about power.
- (b) Incorrect: Achieved status is not necessarily based on parent status, but rather personal effort.
- (d) Incorrect: Ascribed status may be influenced by systemic inequality, but so can achieved status.
Now, I’ll generate an image representing the contrast between ascribed and achieved status.
Here is the image illustrating the difference between ascribed and achieved status. Let me know if you need any modifications or further explanations!
