Final answer:
The term for a status a person receives voluntarily as a result of personal efforts is Achieved status. It is distinct from ascribed status, which is inherited, and is a key concept in understanding social stratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
A status a person receives voluntarily as a result of merit or direct effort is called B) Achieved status. This is in contrast to ascribed status, which are statuses into which a person is born, such as gender or ethnicity.
Achieved statuses reflect personal skills, abilities, and efforts, such as becoming a self-made millionaire or earning a nursing degree, and are a central part of social stratification in an open system where personal achievement can influence social position.