Ascribed statuses, such as race and gender, are always more influential in determining an individual's social interactions than achieved statuses, like occupation or education.

Ascribed statuses are characteristics we are born with, like race and gender, while achieved statuses are things we earn or gain, such as our job or level of education. Often, ascribed statuses have a strong impact on how we are treated by others and how we interact in society. For example, a person who is a woman may face different expectations and experiences in the workplace compared to a man, regardless of their job title or qualifications. This means that even if someone has a high-achieved status, their ascribed status can still shape their social interactions significantly. Thus, while both types of status matter, ascribed statuses often have a more immediate effect on our day-to-day lives.