ü Introduction to Social Status
The position a person occupies within a group or society is the definition of social status. This is determined by how they are treated by other members of society, and it may also have an impact on that. The dynamics inside a group can be understood by examining a group in relation to the social standing of its members. All aspects of life and events in different kinds of communities are influenced by social status (religious, workplace, political, etc.). The definition of social standing is how other people view a person's social status and how that view impacts how they interact with one another. A person's ability to participate in their society depends significantly on their social rank and standing. Max Weber, a well-known German sociologist who created various ideas on social stratification, firmly backed social rank.
Social status Meaning, definition and types
Ø Definition
According to Moris Ginsberg, a person's standing in a social group or grouping is determined by how that position compares to other positions held by other members of the group or grouping.
According to Horton & Hunt, status is "a person's or a group's place inside a larger social structure, or its place in relation to other larger social structures."
According to Duncan Mitchell, social status is "the place held by an individual, family, or kinship group in a social system relative to other individuals." The nature and scope of the interaction with people of various statuses, as well as the rights, obligations, and other behaviour, are all governed by this.
Social status Meaning, definition and types
Ø Various social statuses
Ascribed status and accomplished status are two categories of status that can be distinguished from one another.
Ascribed Status:
Ascribed status is the designation given to a person based on their place in society or by other people in the community. Social group membership or birth can provide such a position. For instance, a person might enjoy a certain status due to their gender or age at birth in a wealthy family. A baby acquires a family status that includes a family name and reputation, a social standing share, and the right to ancestry.
Basis of the ascribed status:
These two categories of status are based on uncommon circumstances. For instance, the status assigned is based on factors like age, sex, kinship, race, family, etc. In virtually every civilization, especially in patriarchal societies, older males are valued, whereas, in matriarchal societies, older women are respected. Due to the fact that status is defined by birth, Brahmins are given greater status than Sudras and those who are considered to be of the honourable class are given a higher position than those who are considered to be of the ordinary class.
Achieved Status:
Achieved status refers to a person's standing or position that he or she has obtained via own effort. The aptitude, capacity, and efforts of the persons determine this status. Some people get to a certain level as a result of the resources at their disposal, whereas others must do so against the odds and hardships.
Social status Meaning, definition and types
Basis for Achieved Status:
The status attained is determined by a person's aptitude, education, and fortune. A person is awarded a greater and better status if they can demonstrate their abilities in fields like social service, sports, education, etc.
Differentiating the Ascribed status from the Achieved status:
The two's differences and connections can be examined as follows.
Ascribed Status:
1. Ascribed position is a gift from the society to its members who have worked hard to earn it.
2. To obtain a status, specific prerequisites, such as aptitude, effectiveness, economic standing, etc., are required.
3. Status is typically assigned based on factors like age, race, caste, kinship, etc.
4. Assigned status is more rigid and stable. Its foundation is hard to shift.
5. In a traditional community, status has a place of respect.
6. The authority's function and the outcomes of its actions are unpredictable in relation to the ascribed status.
7. In attributed status, the status and the role are related to one another.
8. The interior facets of the personality are vitally related to the position that has been assigned. It satisfies sentiments, emotions, and other similar feelings.
9. A person who has a given status may find it easier to accomplish goals or obtain a given status.
10. Ascribed status is more closely related to societal norms, traditions, and other prevailing elements. Ascribed status is therefore more conventional.
11. The obstacles and limitations of the acquired status are removed by the ascribed status.
Achieved status:
1. There are no prerequisites for receiving the assigned status, such as the obligation to honour the family patriarch. There is no educational prerequisite.
2. The position attained is determined by factors like skills and abilities, etc.
3. Achieved status has a weak foundation, making it subject to change.
4. In open and modern cultures, a rank that has been attained is valued because, in this regard, it is one's character traits and accomplishments that count.
5. Because it is founded on a rationale, the role or behaviour in relation to acquired status is more or less predictable.
6. With respect to the obtained status, it cannot be asserted that the achieved status and the role would be related.
7. Achieved status is a gift based on an individual's accomplishments and traits.
8. Acquiring the attained status is aided by the attained status.
9. Achieved status is the outcome of one's own achievements and is attained via competition. It has nothing to do with traditions and practices.
Social status Meaning, definition and types
