There are many different ways to define and describe Social Mobility. We won’t seek to define all of them here, but have instead included some examples so that you get a broader understanding of what people mean when they are talking about Social Mobility.
The dictionary definitions are: the movement of people in a population, as from place to place, from job to job, or from one social class or level to another and the ability of individuals or groups to move upward or downward in status based on wealth, occupation, education, or some other social variable.
What is Social Mobility?
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social ladder within a given society or between different social classes over the course of their lives. It is a measure of the degree to which people can improve their socioeconomic status and achieve a higher standard of living compared to their parents or previous generations.
Social mobility can be influenced by various factors, including educational opportunities, economic conditions, occupational mobility, social networks, and individual talents or skills. It is often seen as an indicator of the fairness and equality of a society, as it reflects the extent to which people have equal opportunities to succeed and improve their social and economic well-being.
There are two main types of social mobility:
- Intergenerational mobility: This refers to the movement of individuals or families from one social class to another between different generations. For example, if children from lower-income families manage to attain higher education and secure well-paying jobs, thereby improving their socioeconomic status, it represents upward intergenerational mobility.
- Intragenerational mobility: This refers to the movement of individuals within their own lifetime. It measures changes in social class or economic status that occur over the course of an individual’s career or adult life. For instance, someone starting their career in a low-paying job but eventually moving into a higher-paying position represents upward intragenerational mobility.
High levels of social mobility are generally considered desirable, as they suggest a society that offers equal opportunities for advancement and rewards individuals based on merit rather than their socio-economic background. Conversely, low levels of social mobility indicate greater inequality and limited opportunities for upward mobility, which can perpetuate social and economic disparities.
“Social mobility is about ensuring the circumstances of a person’s birth do not determine their outcomes in life. It’s about equality, opportunity and fostering a culture where individuals can achieve their potential, regardless of where their journey began.” Social Mobility Day website.
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