Master Status
Definition
In sociology, a master status is the social position that dominates all other statuses an individual holds and becomes the primary way others identify or interact with them. It often shapes a person’s self-concept and influences how they are treated in society. A master status can be achieved (earned or chosen, such as a profession) or ascribed (assigned at birth or involuntarily, such as race, gender, or disability).
Example
A physician may hold multiple statuses—parent, spouse, community member—but in most social contexts, they are primarily recognized as “the doctor.” Similarly, a person with a visible disability may find that others consistently identify them first and foremost by that condition, regardless of their other roles and attributes.
Why it Matters
Understanding the concept of master status is important because it reveals how a single aspect of identity can overshadow others in shaping social interactions and opportunities. This can lead to stereotyping, role strain, and unequal treatment, but it can also confer prestige or authority depending on the status. Sociologists study master status to better understand how social labeling influences personal identity, relationships, and access to resources.