Social Status

Social status is the relative position an individual or group occupies in a hierarchical social structure. It is determined by the social standing and class a person or group hold in the society, and can be either inherited or achieved. Social status is important in determining a person's access to resources, opportunities, and power. For example, higher social status may give someone access to quality education, health care, and employment opportunities. Social status is also related to one's self-esteem, self-confidence, and psychological wellbeing. Social status is fundamental to the understanding of social interactions, social processes, and social inequality.