Final answer:
Ascribed status refers to the social class a person is born into, which is not chosen and largely immutable. It influences a person's initial social standing, cultural norms, and access to resources, impacting their opportunities and experiences in life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social class into which a consumer is born is referred to as his or her ascribed status. Ascribed status is the status outside of an individual's control, such as their sex or race. Unlike achieved status, which is obtained by choice and personal effort, ascribed status is received at birth and not subject to change through individual action. In a class system, a person's social mobility is typically influenced by both ascribed and achieved factors. However, one's ascribed status can greatly influence the initial social standing and the accompanying roles, cultural norms, and values inherited from their parents. This can determine the access to resources and support that may affect their opportunities in life.