Achieved status refers to which of the following?

Achieved status refers to a social position that individuals attain as a result of their actions, choices, and accomplishments. This concept highlights the idea that people can earn their status through various means, such as education, career advancements, personal choices, and other voluntary pursuits. It emphasizes the role of individual agency in shaping one's social position, as opposed to being assigned a status at birth or inheriting it from family.

For example, someone who works hard to earn a college degree or excel in their career has achieved a status that reflects their efforts and decisions. This is in contrast to statuses that are involuntary, defined solely by factors like wealth or static throughout life, which suggest a lack of personal control over one’s social identity. Achieved status is a foundational aspect in sociological discussions about social mobility and individual success.