Which term refers to honor or prestige without making assumptions about how that status was obtained?

• A. Master status
• B. Ascribed status
• C. Social status
• D. Achieved status

Answer: (C)

Social status refers to a person’s position within the social hierarchy and the prestige that may accompany that position, without implying how that status was obtained. It captures the level of respect or standing someone has in a group, while leaving open whether that status came by birth (ascribed) or by effort and accomplishment (achieved). The other terms focus on either the source (ascribed or achieved) or the most salient identity a person holds (master status), rather than describing prestige in a general, non-assumptive way.