AAMC FL Practice Exam

Which type of status is based on meritocracy?

1. Achieved status

2. Ascribed status

3. Master status

4. Position status

The correct answer is: Achieved status

Achieved status refers to a social position that an individual attains as a result of their actions, efforts, skills, or achievements, making it inherently linked to meritocracy. In a meritocratic system, individuals are rewarded and recognized based on their abilities and performances rather than predetermined factors such as their family background or social class. For example, educational attainment, career success, and personal accomplishments all illustrate achieved status, as they are pursued through individual effort and merit. In contrast, ascribed status is assigned at birth or assumed involuntarily, such as race, gender, or family background, and does not reflect an individual’s abilities or achievements. Master status is the social status that holds particular significance in an individual’s identity, often overshadowing other statuses, while position status is not a recognized sociological term. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why achieved status serves as the best example of a merit-based classification in social structure.