Status is the feeling of having value to a social group.

It’s fundamentally about sensing the right to sieze opportunities available within the group. It breaks into two categories: virtuous and useful.

Virtuous status.

Behaviors that reinforce the group. Status is given to those who are generous, courageous, or good at following the rules. Reinforcing conformity or the rules is also rewarded.

Useful/successful status.

Behaviors that further the interests of the group are rewarded, and include things like competence, cleverness, and skillfulness.

Morality-based status comes from morality or prestige.rM1


  1. Brett & Kate McKay, “Podcast #756: How the Desire for Status Explains (Pretty Much) Everything,” The Art of Manliness (blog), November 15, 2021, https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/podcast-756-how-the-desire-for-status-explains-pretty-much-everything/. (See notes.)