Social Mobility

Social mobility is the temporary movement of an individual, family, or another social unit between the positions of various benefits in a social stratification system of society. Classic authors have examined social mobility, among other things, in their contribution to the formation of classes or status groups. Recent studies have identified the extent to which an individual’s social potential depends on their social background (parental family living conditions) and the personal, institutional, and social factors involved in this.

What is the meaning of Social Mobility?

Social mobility is related to the change in an individual’s status from one class to another new class. This can be of various types; it can be lower, higher, intra-generational, intergenerational, etc. It is not always necessary to obtain it depending on whether the taking change is for bad or good.

Origin of the Social Mobility Concept

Pitirim Sorokin, a Russian-American political activist and sociologist, popularised the idea of social mobility that he mentioned and wrote in his famous book called “Social and Cultural Mobility.” Sorokin believes that there is no such thing as a truly open society or a class system, or a completely closed society (like the prevailing caste system in India).

No two civilizations have a similarity in terms of movement permitted and prohibited, and the speed of social mobility can vary from one time period to the next. The level of development of society determines it.

Such a cultural change can occur over time when people migrate from one location to another due to several other social interactions. People profit from mobility in certain ways because they are pushed by many societal elements and try to achieve new jobs that provide them with a higher quality of life and larger rewards. People in society compete and work with one another to advance upwards in social mobility.

Various Types of Social Mobility

Social mobility may be of several forms, and individuals can encounter various mobility at various points of their lives. The many forms of social mobility are different and sometimes overlap. They are distinguishable for analytical purposes.

Intragenerational Social Mobility

The intragenerational transition in social rank happens throughout a single generation’s existence. This can refer to a shift in status between siblings. One way is when individuals advance up the corporate ladder in their profession. For example, a person may begin their career as a receptionist and advance to a top position, such as a manager. An individual may also rise to a greater social status than his/ her brother or sister.

Intergenerational Social Mobility

Intergenerational mobility occurs when a generation’s social status shifts from one to the next direction. The shift might be either in an upward direction or a downward one. For example, a parent could work in a factory while his kid pursues an education that will allow him to become an engineer or a scientist. As a result of such cultural transformation, the generation adopts a new way of life and thinking. Variances influence Intergenerational mobility in the upbringing of parents and their kids, changes in populations, and changes in the profession.

Horizontal Social Mobility 

Horizontal Social Mobility occurs when a person’s employment changes, but their general social position stays unaffected. For instance, if a general doctor transitions from treating patients to teaching at a medical school, their employment has changed, but their reputation and social position are likely to stay the same. In simple words, horizontal mobility is defined as a shift in religious, geographical, economic, etc.

Vertical Social Mobility  

Vertical Social Mobility is related to a change in an individual’s vocational, governmental, or religious class that results in a shift in their cultural position. An individual progresses from one social class to the next. Vertical mobility can occur in either upwards or lowering directions. Ascending comprises an individual migrating from a lower status to a higher one or forming a comparable group with higher societal standing rather than coexisting with its present group. The reduction in the level of mobility happens; for example, a businessman suffers losses and is compelled to declare themselves bankrupt, which results in a relocation to a lower social stratum.

Downward Social Mobility

When a person travels from a higher to a lower position in society, downward mobility is referred to as downward mobility. It can happen when someone is found doing something wrong that could lead to losing their present job. Downward mobility may be exceedingly unpleasant for people whose social position is worsening. They may struggle to adjust to the new situation since it is not similar to the quality of living they are familiar with. Downward mobility demonstrates how much people value equal chances and stability.

Upward Social Mobility

Upward Social Mobility occurs when a person advances from a lower social position. People in higher positions within the same society or group might also be included. However, while upward mobility is seen positively, it can come at a cost to individuals. When a person advances in their career, they frequently must leave behind the comforts of home, such as family and locations. They may be required to modify their thoughts and conduct. As a result of their upward mobility, an individual needs to adjust to a new environment and adopt new habits in the growing society.

Conclusion

The idea of social mobility is important in the study of societies as it implies equality: that not everyone will have the same results, they should have the same chances. Increasing equal opportunity entails tackling the several layers of disadvantage experienced by various groups within a population. Increasing social mobility is not simply an argument for equality; it is also an economic argument: encouraging equality of opportunity is critical for economic efficiency since it maximises the utilisation of individual skills.

The main concept and aim of this module are to make the flow of information related to the concept of social mobility, social mobility meaning, social mobility, and various other concepts related to Social Mobility in the field of Sociology.