What term describes a person's social identity within a group?

The term that describes a person's social identity within a group is status. Status refers to the social position an individual holds in a given social hierarchy, which can be ascribed or achieved. Ascribed status is typically assigned at birth and is not a result of personal choice, such as race, gender, or family background. Achieved status, on the other hand, is earned through personal effort and actions, such as education or occupation.

Understanding status is crucial in sociology as it helps to explain how individuals navigate their social worlds and how their identities are shaped by their interactions with others. Status can also dictate the expectations and behaviors associated with a person's role in society. In contrast, concepts like role, position, and title pertain more to specific functions or labels within a social construct rather than the broader concept of social identity that status encapsulates.