Answer: Status is a term often used in sociology. There are generally two types of status, achieved status and ascribed status.
Each can refer to the position, or role, within a social system - child, parent, student, playmate, etc. - or the economic or social position within that status.
Achieved status is one that is earned on merit; It is a position that is won or chosen and reflects the skills, abilities and efforts of a person. Being a professional athlete, for example, is a status earned, as is being a lawyer, college professor or even a criminal.
Assigned status, on the other hand, is beyond the control of an individual. It is not deserved, but it is something that people are born with or have no control over. Examples of assigned status include gender, race, and age. Children generally have more assigned status than adults, as they generally have no choice in most issues.
