What distinguishes ascribed status from achieved status?

Ascribed status refers to the social status that is assigned to an individual at birth or later in life, often based on characteristics such as race, gender, family background, and social class. This type of status is typically involuntary, meaning that individuals do not choose or earn ascribed statuses; they simply inherit them. For instance, being born into a royal family is an ascribed status, as is being identified by one's race or ethnicity.

On the other hand, achieved status is defined as a social position that an individual attains as a result of their actions, efforts, and accomplishments. This can include educational attainment, job positions, or other personal achievements that reflect an individual's choices and actions. Unlike ascribed status, achieved status is based on personal merit and achievements.

Understanding these concepts highlights the difference between factors individuals have no control over (ascribed status) and those they can influence through their actions and decisions (achieved status). In this context, the statement that ascribed status is assigned at birth while achieved status is earned accurately captures the fundamental distinction between the two.