Which term denotes a status that is assigned at birth and typically not earned?

• A. Ascribed status
• B. Achieved status
• C. Role
• D. Status

Answer: (A)

In sociology, a status is a social position that a person occupies. The key distinction here is between ascribed and achieved statuses. The term that denotes a status assigned at birth and typically not earned is ascribed status. This captures positions people inherit or are placed into by virtue of birth—such as family background or, in many contexts, gender at birth—regardless of their own efforts. These ascribed positions can influence life chances and opportunities, often more than personal actions.

Achieved status, by contrast, is earned or chosen through one's actions and accomplishments, like becoming a student, a graduate, or a professional. A role refers to the expectations and behaviors associated with a given status, not the status itself. And status is the broad concept of any social position, not specifically about how it was obtained.