Status Inconsistency

Definition: Status inconsistency is a condition that occurs when individuals have some status characteristics that rank relatively high and some that rank relatively low. Status inconsistency can be quite pervasive, especially in societies in which ascribed statuses such as race and gender play an important role in stratification.

Examples: In white-dominated societies, black professionals have high occupational status but low racial status that creates an inconsistency along with the potential for resentment and strain. Gender and ethnicity have similar effects in many societies.