In sociology, social status is a certain position in the society. The status may likely be an occupation such as college student, private in an army, file clerk, and congressman, but it may also be a member of social club, Japanese anime fan, father, and muslim.

The status is likely accompanied by certain roles (called "social role"), an expected behavior associated with certain status. For example, college students are usually expected to attend the classeses they registered, do homework assignments and participate the campus community.

Status inconsistency is a situation while an individual enjoys a high status in certain area, he/she has a low status. For example, teachers usually enjoy regards from the society but earn little money.

Statuses that are inborn are called "ascribed statuses" while statuses that individuals gained their own effort are called "achieved statuses".


See also: sociology