Ascribed status is a social position "assigned" to a person by society without regard for the person's unique talents or characteristics. It is a status that is beyond an individual's control, often based on factors such as race, ethnicity, sex, age, family background, or birth order. Unlike achieved status, which is earned through personal effort, ascribed status is something an individual is born with or involuntarily acquires. While ascribed statuses may not directly reflect an individual's abilities or efforts, they can significantly influence their opportunities and social interactions within a society. For example, in many societies, gender and race are ascribed statuses that can lead to differential treatment and expectations. The relative importance of ascribed versus achieved status varies across societies and over time, with modern societies often emphasizing achieved status as a basis for social standing, although ascribed statuses continue to play a significant role in social stratification.