Expectations are like norms. Viewing life simply in terms of roles that people occupy, one begins to see all life as if it were a stage play. A. Ascribed Status Vs. Ascribed statuses are involuntary . One is born with ascribed status such as race or sex.
Age is also an ascribed status.
Achieved status, on the other hand, is earned. It is based on merit. Unlike a stage play, however, we do not define roles. We negotiate social roles. Role Distancing When an individual disagrees with the expectations associated with a particular role, the individual may try to de-emphasize the importance of that role.