Question

Which among the following is not an achieved status?

• A. Professor
• B. Collector
• C. Bank officer
• D. Brahmin

Hint:

To quickly identify the type of status, ask: "Is this something a person is born into, or is it something they have to work for?" If they are born into it, it's ascribed. If they work for it, it's achieved.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sociology distinguishes between two types of social status:
- Ascribed Status: A social position that is assigned to a person at birth or involuntarily later in life (e.g., race, sex, caste). It is not earned or chosen.
- Achieved Status: A social position that a person acquires through their own efforts, skills, knowledge, and choices (e.g., a profession, being a parent).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options:
(A) Professor: This is a profession achieved through years of education and expertise.
(B) Collector: This is a high-ranking administrative position achieved by passing competitive exams and through career progression.
(C) Bank officer: This is a job achieved through education and a selection process.
(D) Brahmin: This is a caste status. In the traditional Indian social system, one is born into a caste. It is not earned or achieved; it is an ascribed status.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Brahmin is an ascribed status determined by birth, unlike the other options which are achieved statuses based on personal effort.