What term describes a status assigned at birth that is not earned?

• A. Achieved status
• B. Acculturation
• C. Ascribed status
• D. Bi-cultural

Answer: (C)

A status assigned at birth that you do not earn is called an ascribed status. This means the position comes from birth circumstances or fixed attributes and isn’t the result of personal choices or actions. It shapes how society expects you to behave and can influence opportunities, often independently of individual effort. By contrast, an achieved status is gained through actions and accomplishments, such as education or career. Acculturation is the process of adopting elements of another culture, and being bi-cultural refers to identifying with two cultures—neither describes a birth‑given, unearned social position.