Question

Which type of status (Social Statuses) does Classmate, Roommate, Employee, Friend, Teammate, Student represent? Explain. How do you define the statuses?

Answer 1

• In a social group, every member has a status role position. The meaning of status is recognitions of the position of an individual in the social system and the authority he holds in consequence is the basis of status system.Thus, every position (father, mother, teacher, and employer) defines a different status.

• Social status refers to a position one holds in a society or group.

• A status may be divided into two types: ascribed status and achieved or earned status.

• Achieved status - An achieved status is a position one holds in society based on one's choices or merit. Our achieved statuses are largely dictated by our abilities, skills, and life choices.

• Ascribed status - The status which is given to an individual on the basis of the situation in the society or by other members of the society is called ascribed status. For example, a person may enjoy a particular status because of the sex or age of birth in a rich family. An infant gets a family status which includes family name and prestige, share in social standing and the right of heritage.

• Hence, Classmate, Roommate, Employee, Friend, Teammate, Student represent Achieved status.