Final answer:
Converting to Islam improved social status in the Ottoman Empire, while converting to Catholicism could improve social status in the Spanish Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Ottoman Empire, converting to Islam improved one's social status. This was because Islam was the dominant religion in the empire, and adhering to it meant being accepted as a member of the ruling class. On the other hand, in the Spanish Empire, converting to Catholicism could improve one's social status. This was because Catholicism was the official religion of the empire and being a Catholic meant being loyal to the crown and being part of the privileged class.
Learn more about impact of religious conversion on social status