Social Mobility

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move within a social hierarchy, which can involve changes in social status or economic position. It encompasses both upward mobility, where individuals rise to a higher social or economic class, and downward mobility, where they fall to a lower status. Social mobility can be influenced by various factors, including education, employment opportunities, family background, and socioeconomic policies. It is often seen as an indicator of equality of opportunity within a society, reflecting the extent to which personal effort and abilities can lead to changes in one’s social standing, independent of inherited status. High levels of social mobility suggest an open society where individuals have a fair chance to improve their life circumstances, while low levels may indicate systemic barriers that restrict movement and perpetuate inequality.