Which term describes a social position assigned at birth that is not chosen?

• A. Industrial societies
• B. Age
• C. Ascribed status
• D. Minority group

Answer: (C)

In sociology, some social positions are given to us by birth and cannot be chosen, while others are earned or chosen through actions. The idea being tested is ascribed status: a social position assigned at birth that you do not select. This fits because it describes positions like being born into a family, race or ethnicity, or gender, which are not chosen and often remain influential throughout life. In contrast, many other statuses are achieved through choices or efforts—like becoming a student, an employee, or a leader. The other options don’t capture that sense of a position handed to you by birth and not chosen by yourself: industrial societies describe a type of society, age is simply a measure of time, and a minority group is a category of people who may share characteristics and experiences, not a single birth-based position.