What is the definition of ascribed status?

Ascribed status refers to a social position that an individual is born into or that is assigned to them without regard to their abilities, efforts, or choices. This status is typically determined by factors such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, and family background. Since ascribed status does not require any action or achievement from the person, it is fundamentally different from statuses that are achieved through personal effort or accomplishments.

This concept is critical in sociology as it highlights how certain social positions can influence a person's opportunities, interactions, and the social roles they occupy from an early age. Understanding ascribed status helps in analyzing social hierarchies and the impact of these statuses on individuals' lives within various social contexts.