Final answer:
The term 'master status' is a significant social status that greatly influences a person's identity and interactions, overshadowing other statuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'master status' refers to a status that has exceptional importance for social identity, often shaping a person's entire life. Sociologists recognize that each person holds multiple statuses in society, which come with different roles and expectations. Statuses can be ascribed, such as son or elderly person, or achieved, such as self-made millionaire or nurse.
However, a master status is one that overshadows other statuses and sits at the forefront of how an individual is perceived within their community and by themselves. For example, being a student might be a master status for someone who spends a significant amount of time in educational settings, prioritizes their academic achievements, and interacts primarily with others in that role.