Question 45

This is an example of master status.

Master status refers to a social status that holds special significance for social identity, often overshadowing other statuses. In this scenario, Eva's recent success as a film star has become a defining feature of her identity in the eyes of her peers and teachers, leading to preferential treatment.

A) Role strain

Role strain occurs when a person experiences tension within a single role due to conflicting demands. In this case, Eva is not facing conflicting demands within her role as a student; instead, her new status as a film star is influencing how she is treated, making this option incorrect.

B) Status set

A status set refers to the collection of social statuses that an individual holds at one time. While Eva may have multiple statuses (like student and film star), the preferential treatment she receives due to her recent success is more accurately described by the concept of master status rather than just a status set.

C) Role conflict

Role conflict arises when an individual faces competing demands from different roles. Since Eva is not experiencing conflicting expectations from her roles as a student and a film star, this option does not fit the situation described.

D) Master status

Master status is the most salient status of an individual, which can dominate other statuses and shape how they are perceived by others. In Eva's case, her recent success in film has become her master status, leading to the preferential treatment she receives from her peers and teachers.

Conclusion

The concept of master status is pivotal in understanding why Eva is treated differently upon her return to school. Her status as a successful film star has overshadowed her identity as a student, resulting in the preferential treatment she experiences, while the other options do not accurately capture the dynamics at play in this situation.