ascribed status

noun

, Sociology.

1. the social position assigned to a person on the basis of kinship, ethnic group, gender, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ascribed status¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“What is crucial is you must earn your life through meritocracy instead of enjoying an ascribed status based on ancestral position.”

From Reuters

Ms. Johnson tried to play down her ascribed status.“I know who you are,” he replied.

From New York Times

Social status on this frontier depended more upon achieved status than ascribed status.

From Project Gutenberg