📚 Learning Guide
Ascribed vs Achieved Status
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Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the difference between ascribed status and achieved status in relation to social expectations and societal norms?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

A person born into a royal family assuming the throne at a young age.

B

An individual working hard to become a successful entrepreneur after starting from humble beginnings.

C

A woman becoming a mother after marriage following societal norms.

D

A teenager being recognized for their academic achievements in school.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

Ascribed status refers to a social position someone is born into or assigned involuntarily, while achieved status is a position earned through personal effort or choices. For example, being born into a royal family gives someone an ascribed status of a prince or princess, meaning they automatically have certain privileges and expectations based on their birth. On the other hand, if a person works hard in school and earns a scholarship to a prestigious university, their status as a student at that university is achieved because it reflects their individual effort and choices. This distinction is important because ascribed statuses often come with societal norms and expectations that are not based on personal merit, whereas achieved statuses can change based on a person's actions and accomplishments. Understanding this difference helps us see how society views individuals based on their background versus their efforts.

Detailed Explanation

This example shows achieved status. Other options are incorrect because This scenario shows ascribed status; This example also shows ascribed status.

Key Concepts

social expectations
societal norms.
Topic

Ascribed vs Achieved Status

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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