Social status
Social status refers to an individual's position within the social hierarchy, which can be classified as ascribed or achieved. Ascribed status is assigned at birth and is largely unchangeable, based on factors such as gender, race, or family lineage. In contrast, achieved status is earned through personal actions, accomplishments, or changes in circumstances, and can vary throughout one's life. Social stratification creates a vertical ranking system, often visualized as a pyramid, where individuals or groups occupy different levels of status.
Cultural examples of social status can be seen in the caste system of India, which originated from ancient social distinctions and continues to influence social interactions today. Similarly, historical European feudal systems illustrate how lineage and inheritance can establish and maintain social hierarchies. Various cultures have also developed unique visual markers—such as clothing, tattoos, or other body modifications—to signify one’s social standing. Overall, understanding social status involves exploring its complex roots, implications, and manifestations across different societies, reflecting a diverse array of cultural perspectives.
Social status
Social status refers to an individual's place within society. This ranking may be ascribed or achieved. An ascribed status is assigned at birth regardless of abilities, while an achieved status is earned through actions or accomplishments. Status refers to a vertical scale of stratification, meaning some rankings are high and some are low, with varying levels in between.
Ascribed Status
Many cultures around the world rely on lineage or family connections, distinguishing between aristocrats and commoners. Ascribed status is usually based on factors that an individual cannot affect. These frequently include age, birth order, gender, race, or family connections. It may outwardly remain constant throughout life; however, within one's peer groups, it may fluctuate. For example, in a male-dominated society, one's gender may be the primary factor in determining status. Within one's social circle of friends, however, an individual may hold a high or low level of esteem. This describes one's relative status. Relative status may vary, for example, as one ages or one's family connections change.
Monarchies and lineage systems date back to ancient times and have existed around the globe. Some have died out, and some, including the British royal family, endure.
Social status in parts of Europe may have been based on the feudal system. In England, a monarch stood at the top of the social ladder as head of government. Supporting the king were his barons, who ruled individual territories at the king's discretion, and their knights, who would serve the king in times of war. The lowest rung of society was occupied by the workers, the peasants. While some historians dispute the prevalence of this system, a hierarchy among the nobility endures in some social circles.
India's caste system dates to the sixteenth century. It may have originated when Indo-European migrants moved to northwestern India and came into contact with indigenous people they called enemies (daha) or servants (dasyu). The social system of varnas developed to distinguish between priests, warriors, and commoners. These were achieved statuses in early history; however, social rank eventually became hereditary. The highest-ranked group is the Brahmans, the priests and teachers of the veda, or sacred knowledge. The family of the king, the Rajanyas or Kshatriyas, rank very closely and traditionally included warriors. The third caste, Vaishyas, includes commoners and workers such as farmers and merchants. Male members of the top three castes could undergo a rite of passage and gain additional status, which classifies them as twice-born. The Shudras, the fourth varna, are the menial workers. The Panchamas, or "the fifth," comprise the lowest varna and are also Shudras. They often handle dead animals and perform other unsavory work. They are regarded as untouchable and are prohibited from having any physical contact with twice-born varnas. Anyone of a higher status who has contact with a Panchama must undergo ritual purification.
Although untouchability was outlawed in 1950, the intricate hierarchy of the caste system remains in force in many villages and social groups. The rigid system prohibits marriage with those outside of one's caste and hinders social advancement.
Achieved Status
Achieved status often varies through life and situations. It may be based on factors including accomplishments, education, etiquette, marital status, occupation, or wealth. For example, a young boy among the Tallensi of Ghana whose father dies is regarded as an elder and the head of his household, but a much older man who still lives in his father's house is considered a child.
Throughout history, people have risen from among the poor and low classes through their achievements. Athletes have earned praise, and status, through their physical feats. Scientists, writers, astronauts, artists, and others have learned that success in one area may translate to success in society. Military leaders, revolutionaries, and war heroes have been elevated to leadership positions, or seized power, since ancient times.
Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming dynasty of China, was an orphaned peasant. He survived by begging and eventually was accepted as a novice at a Buddhist monastery. He later became a rebel commander and helped overthrow the Yuan dynasty. Nearly three centuries later, the Ming dynasty was overthrown by a former postal worker during a peasant uprising.
Mao Tse-tung was born a peasant in Hunan province in China, but through cunning and circumstance, he rose to power and prestige. He received very little education, and as a teenager worked in his farming family's fields. He was about eighteen years old when the Xinhai Revolution began. He joined the Revolutionary Army and the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang), which overthrew the monarchy. He helped found the Chinese Communist Party and rose through the political ranks. Mao led a peasant revolt in 1927. He established the Soviet Republic of China, which elected him chairman. Eventually, following a civil war and ongoing internal conflicts, Chairman Mao ruthlessly controlled all of China.
Displays of Social Status
Many cultures have developed means to identify one's social status, such as outward signs of wealth including clothing and jewelry. Other signs are less about affluence and more about permanence. For example, some Polynesian cultures use tattooing to note one's rank. Some cultures use scarification and head shaping to indicate high status. Some permanent markings may also indicate the achievement of a life event, such as a rite of passage.
Some markings are forced on individuals to set them apart as someone of low status. Cultures throughout history have branded or tattooed slaves, for example, permanently identifying individuals as members of a low social order.
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