Which term describes statuses obtained through individual effort?

• A. Ascribed traits
• B. Achieved traits
• C. Inherent traits
• D. Social capital

Answer: (B)

It focuses on how a social status is earned through personal effort. When a person gains a status because of their own actions, education, training, or career progress, that is described as an achieved trait. Examples include becoming a college graduate, advancing to a managerial role, or acquiring a professional credential through study and work.

Ascribed traits, in contrast, are assigned at birth or through circumstances beyond one’s control, such as family background or ethnicity. Inherent traits refer to innate, natural qualities rather than socially earned positions. Social capital describes the benefits and resources one can access through networks and connections, which can help someone achieve statuses but are not the statuses themselves earned by effort. Therefore, achieved traits are the best fit for statuses obtained through individual effort.