Lecture Notes: Social Statuses and Their Impact on Interactions

Definition of Status

• Status: A social position in society.
• Individuals hold multiple statuses simultaneously (e.g., son/daughter, student, friend).

Impact of Statuses on Interactions

• Different statuses influence how individuals interact with others.
• Equal Status Interactions:
  • Comfortable negotiations and discussions.
  • Example: Roommates negotiating driving schedules.
• Superior/Inferior Status Interactions:
  • Inferior Status (e.g., Student & Professor):
    • Submissive behavior.
    • Respectful and open to listening.
  • Superior Status (e.g., President of Organization):
    • Leadership and control.
    • Members submit and show respect.

Types of Statuses

• Ascribed Statuses:
  • Given at birth and do not change (e.g., royal family member).
• Achieved Statuses:
  • Earned through individual effort and choices.
  • Example: Becoming an Olympic athlete through hard work.