Answer to Question #131548 in Sociology for Mannini

Question

Social class is 'achieved 'rather than 'given' at birth? Briefly discuss this statement

Answer 1

Social class is not given at birth but rather achieved. Individuals that share the same social status are said to belong to similar social class. The levels of wealth and power often define the social class of a given group of people. Specialists in sociology believe an individual may attain a higher social status than the one they were born in. This is because social class is independent on birth according to such sociologists.

Moreover, one’s success in his/her area of specialization or education can make a person move from one social status to the next. For instance, a talented sportsperson or a mentally gifted individual may excel in their activities and end up attaining the highest social class in comparison to the one in which they were born. It thus suggests that social level is achieved and not given when one is born.