Basic differences between ascribed and achieved status: Statuses are culturally defined, despite the fact that they may be based on biological factors such as sex, caste and race. There are two different kinds of status that people occupy ascribed status, and achieved status.

1. Ascribed status: An ascribed status is a social position that is assigned at birth and is, therefore, usually permanent. Hence, an ascribed status is one into which a person is born and in which he or she remains throughout his or her life, e.g., sex, caste, race and age. A Brahmin, for example, enjoys the ascribed status of a Brahmin by virtue of his birth. In addition, sex, ethnic background, place of birth and family name supply assigned statuses. Such statuses are said to be ascribed. Ascribed statuses are usually fixed at birth.

Example: In India, caste status is generally ascribed although it has been going through several changes through 'sanskritization' and 'inter-caste marriages'. In some countries social class also comes under ascribed status which is arbitrary given by society.

2. Achieved status: An achieved status is one that is chosen or achieved such as a married person, a parent, a friend, a doctor or an engineer. An achieved status is acquired through one's own efforts. Society recognizes such changes in achieved status. Statuses which are not fixed by inheritance, biological characteristics, or other factors, over which the individual has no control, are known as achieved statuses. An achieved status is entered as a result of some degree of purposive action and choice. Thus, an achieved status, by contrast, is one that is based on something the person has done.

Example: The status of author is gained by publishing books; that of husband is gained by obtaining a marriage license and getting married. No one is born as an author or as a husband. Thus, an individual's marital status and occupational status are achieved.