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
