Status Foundations

Abstract This chapter addresses the fragmentation of status theory and research by establishing a foundation for status theory that distinguishes status from other types of vertical differentiation, such as ranking and hierarchy, and social evaluations, such as reputation, trust, and legitimacy. The chapter identifies the essential aspects of status, i.e., vertical differentiation, role expectations, and social positions, and defines status structurally as a vertical position in a social system that encompasses enabling and constraining role expectations. By identifying the essential aspects of status, the chapter shows that status is different from, but inherently linked to reputation, trust, and legitimacy. It further argues that status, ranking, and hierarchy are differentially anchored in role expectations, information reduction, and internal coordination, respectively, yet they converge in most empirical social systems. Finally, the chapter discuss promising areas for empirical research, including the influence of social polarisation, technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, corporate social responsibility, and globalisation on status dynamics.