Social Mobility

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups between different positions within the system of social stratification. It is a central concern of sociology because the extent of social mobility in a society tells us about the openness and fairness of that society. If mobility is high, individuals' life chances are determined by their own abilities and efforts; if mobility is low, they are largely determined by the circumstances of their birth. The AQA specification requires you to understand the different types of mobility, evaluate key studies, and assess the meritocracy debate.

Key Definition: Social mobility is the movement of individuals or groups up or down the social hierarchy, usually measured by changes in occupational class between generations.

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Types of Social Mobility

Intergenerational Mobility

This compares a person's class position with that of their parents (usually their father, in older studies). If a plumber's daughter becomes a barrister, that represents upward intergenerational mobility. If an accountant's son becomes a shop assistant, that is downward intergenerational mobility.

Intragenerational Mobility