I’ve always been intrigued by how the Romans had a much richer vocabulary for discussing social status. They talked of dignitas, auctoritas, and potestas. While those words are the linguistic roots for dignity, authority, and potence, that’s not really what they were and none of them has a direct translation into English. They are better understood as components of a Roman’s social status.
Another interesting concept is how status, particularly male status, is often highly context dependent. For example a competent guide will almost certainly be the highest status person for a group lost in the wilderness even if that group has members who are very wealthy or famous, but once they’re back in civilization he’ll have considerably lower relative status.
Like it or not, the overwhelming factor in female status is physical attractiveness. No doubt there are occasional exceptions, but as a general rule it’s undeniable.
Another interesting concept is how status, particularly male status, is often highly context dependent. For example a competent guide will almost certainly be the highest status person for a group lost in the wilderness even if that group has members who are very wealthy or famous, but once they’re back in civilization he’ll have considerably lower relative status.
Like it or not, the overwhelming factor in female status is physical attractiveness. No doubt there are occasional exceptions, but as a general rule it’s undeniable.