Achieved status refers to a social position that a person attains largely through their own efforts, skills, abilities, and choices. It is earned or chosen based on merit and reflects personal accomplishments. Examples include becoming an Olympic medalist, a college graduate, a technical professional, or even a criminal. This is in contrast to ascribed status, which is assigned at birth or is beyond an individual's control, such as race or sex. Achieved status comes with associated rights, obligations, behaviours, and duties expected of those in that position, known as roles. While ideally based on merit, the ability to achieve certain statuses can be influenced by ascribed statuses and cultural capital. Achieved status plays a significant role in open societies where social mobility, the ability to move up or down the social hierarchy, is possible.