What distinguishes ascribed status from achieved status?

The correct choice highlights the fundamental distinction between ascribed status and achieved status in sociology. Ascribed status refers to the social positions individuals are born into or that they acquire involuntarily over their lifetime, such as ethnicity, gender, or family background. These statuses are typically immutable and not influenced by individual choices or actions.

In contrast, achieved status is about the social positions that individuals attain through their own actions, efforts, and decisions. This can include accomplishments like education, profession, or any other situation where one has worked to attain a certain social standing. The key aspect here is the voluntary nature of the achieved status, which relies on personal effort and choices.

This understanding of ascribed versus achieved status is central to sociological discussions of social stratification and mobility, illustrating how different factors contribute to an individual’s social identity and opportunities in life.