what is a socially defined position of an individual in society.
a. role
b. status
c. culture
d. social network
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. status.
Status refers to the socially defined position of an individual in society. It represents the role or identity an individual holds in the context of a specific social structure. People acquire various statuses based on their roles in family, community, occupation, or any social institution. For example, a person can have the status of “student,” “teacher,” “parent,” or “doctor,” which carries certain expectations, responsibilities, and privileges associated with each role.
Status can be ascribed or achieved. Ascribed status is a social position someone is born into, such as being a son, daughter, or a member of a particular ethnic group. These statuses are typically assigned at birth and are not usually changed. In contrast, achieved status refers to a position that a person acquires through their actions, efforts, and accomplishments, such as becoming a professional athlete or an academic.
The concept of role is closely tied to status but differs in that it refers to the expected behaviors, duties, and responsibilities associated with a specific status. For instance, the status of a “teacher” carries the role of educating students, grading assignments, and managing classrooms.
Culture encompasses the shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices of a group, while a social network refers to the web of relationships an individual maintains with others in society. These concepts are related to social dynamics but are not directly about an individual’s position in society, which is captured by status.
Thus, status is an important concept in sociology because it helps explain the positioning of individuals within the broader framework of society, influencing their interactions, opportunities, and social identity.