Status in society can be determined by others and can be formal or informal. Formal status comes from your position in society, like being a minister or a lawyer. Informal status can come from special skills or talents, like being a reliable worker or a feared person. Status can be ascribed, meaning you're born into it, or achieved, meaning you earn it through your actions. It's easier to move up in status than down because high-status people have ways to protect their positions.