Recognition in sociology is a public acknowledgment of a person’s status or merits (achievements, virtues, service, etc.). In psychology, a person seeking excessive recognition, or unnecessary recognition, could be exhibiting traits of a narcissistic personality disorder.

When a person is recognized, he or she is accorded some special status, such as title or classification. Recognition can take many forms, such as those mentioned in the mass media.

The Emperor of China used large circular logos the size of a dinner plate to distinguish members of his family from his Han subjects. Their symbol of privilege was a Mandarin square on their clothing.