Which status is attained through personal effort and education?

Achieved status refers to a social position that an individual attains as a result of their actions, decisions, and accomplishments, as opposed to ascribed status, which is assigned at birth and cannot be changed. This concept highlights the role of personal effort, education, and choice in shaping one’s social standing. Examples of achieved status include roles such as a doctor, lawyer, or teacher, which require formal education and personal dedication to attain.

In contrast, ascribed status is related to characteristics that individuals are born with, such as race, ethnicity, gender, or family background. Institutional status generally pertains to roles and positions established by organizations or societal institutions and while it may involve personal effort, it doesn’t focus on individual achievements in the same way. Caste status is linked to a specific social stratification system, often rigid and determined by birth, with little opportunity for individuals to change their position through personal effort.

Thus, achieved status is the relevant concept that embodies the idea of gaining a social position through personal effort and education.