Sociology - Society, Culture, and Social Theories Practice Test 2026 - Free Sociology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ascribed status is a social position assigned at birth or without the individual's choice, such as sex or race. These are not earned or chosen, which is why they fit the description in the question. In contrast, achieved status results from a person’s actions and accomplishments, like obtaining a degree or a particular job, and these can change over time. The term status refers to one’s place in the social hierarchy, and people often hold multiple statuses, some ascribed and some achieved. So the status outside a person’s control is ascribed status.