People care about social status because it brings about opportunities in the same way that wealth or natural talent do. You can also choose to live like a herm

People care about social status because it brings about opportunities in the same way that wealth or natural talent do. You can also choose to live like a hermit, but then if you ever need do anything that requires the involvement of others, you'll find it harder to pull that off. And beyond that, people derive their happiness and satisfaction from social fulfillment to some extent, and again here social status plays a role.