<P> At the root of the problem of status inconsistency is the inability of individuals to reconcile the conflicting expectations . A woman from a racial minority group may not experience status inconsistency because as a woman and as a member of a minority group, she may be considered to be of a lower ascribed status . But, if this woman rejects the assigned roles that are associated with her status, she experiences status inconsistency . </P> <P> To offer another example, a woman born into a wealthy family occupies both a high and a low ascribed status within the social structure: her inherited resources and social networks are advantageous but her role as a woman may be considered inferior . When a person holds a high rank on one status dimension and low rank on another, the expectations of the two are often at odds with one another . </P> <P> The two general consequences that arise from the tension that exists between the differing expectations are frustration and uncertainty about how one should act, given how others believe they should behave, and their own perceived notions of their abilities and the course of action that they should take to achieve their goals . </P> <P> Wealth is not the only social characteristic that defines an individual's ascribed status . Religion is also a factor . If a person's family identifies with a particular religion, be it Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, etc., generally that person may be presumed to adopt the same religion as their biological or adopted parents . An individual's religion or absence of religion becomes a part of his or her ascribed status . The social norms of a particular religion may have different ascribed statuses than those given by the larger society because followers are ascribed status based on the religious doctrines that govern their belief . </P>

An ascribed status is based on factors over which an individual has no control