Question

Aletha had an accident in which she fell into hot cooking grease. Despite many operations and treatments, her face, neck, and hands were forever altered. Regardless of her accomplishments or occupation, many others viewed Aletha's disfigurement as her __________.

a. ascribed status
b. master status
c. status symbol
d. status set

Answer 1

Aletha's disfigurement is perceived by others as her master status, which is a status in sociology that takes precedence over all others in defining a person's identity and how they are viewed socially.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aletha faced a situation where her accident and the resulting disfigurement became what sociologists would refer to as her master status. This term is used within sociology to describe a status that overrides all other social positions held by an individual. It is the status that is foremost in defining a person's social identity and shapes how others perceive and interact with them. Master status can be ascribed and beyond an individual's control, which is particularly acute in cases of visible disabilities or disfigurements that can lead to stigmatization.