Which of the following forms the basis of an ascriptive identity?

Birth

The correct answer is Option 4: Birth.

Option 1: Choice — Incorrect. An ascriptive identity is not determined by an individual's choice. It is assigned by birth rather than voluntarily selected.

Option 2: Accomplishment — Incorrect. An ascriptive identity does not depend on accomplishments or personal success.

Option 3: Achievement — Incorrect. Achievements are acquired through an individual's efforts, whereas an ascriptive identity is assigned at birth.

Option 4: Birth — Correct. An ascriptive identity is assigned by birth and is accidental, unconditional and inescapable. It is not based on choice, achievement or accomplishment.

NCERT:  Community identity is based on birth and ‘belonging’ rather than on some form of acquired qualifications or ‘accomplishment’. It is what we ‘are’ rather than what we have ‘become’. We don’t have to do anything to be born into a community – in fact, no one has any choice about which family or community or country they are born into. These kinds of identities are called ‘ascriptive’ – that is, they are determined by the accidents of birth and do not involve any choice on the part of the individuals concerned.