I'll try, because this is interesting, but seems to be somewhat simplistic view [and probably sociobiology-inspired]. Ascription of value is intrinsic to human activity. Value implies hierarchy (of goods, humans, resources, anything). Because of the value, human history indeed has been to large extent shaped by the ways of competition  But that is different to say that it's a result of competition. Humans cooperate a lot, too. And human history can be shaped by random events or, for example, curiosity. That is, it results from the assemblage of phenomena. Statuses are not created only from competition for resources and mates. Statuses are intertwinned with power but not directly proportionate to the ability to exercise it. Status belongs to the hierarchy and yet somebody with lower status can have more ability to exercise power than that of a higher one. This suggests that value of the status is not determined by the hierarchy but by the ability to exercise power.