What defines achieved statuses?

Achieved statuses are defined by roles that individuals acquire through their own actions, efforts, skills, and choices. This concept emphasizes the idea that personal accomplishments, education, or life experiences contribute to the roles a person takes on in society. For instance, becoming a doctor, athlete, or artist requires individual effort, training, and the achievement of specific skills or qualifications, highlighting how these statuses are not predetermined by one’s background or circumstances.

In contrast, the other options refer to ascribed statuses, which are roles assigned at birth or are based on inherent characteristics, such as family background or social class. These statuses are not usually subject to change based solely on personal effort or talent, unlike achieved statuses which are dynamic and reflect individual agency in navigating one's social environment.