What term describes a social position assigned by society regardless of personal traits?

The term that describes a social position assigned by society regardless of personal traits is ascribed status. This concept refers to a social status that an individual is born into or assigned involuntarily, without regard to their abilities, efforts, or choices. Examples of ascribed status include factors such as race, gender, age, and family heritage.

Ascribed status contrasts with achieved status, which is a position that individuals attain as a result of their own actions, efforts, or choices. Inherited status is similar to ascribed status, but it specifically emphasizes the passing down of positions or privileges through family lineage. Acquired status is not a commonly used term in sociology; it could imply gaining a status through personal effort, which aligns more with achieved status. Thus, the distinction of ascribed status is vital for understanding societal roles and how they impact individuals and their interactions within their communities.