Introduction
Social
mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one social class
to another. It is an essential aspect of modern societies, providing
individuals with opportunities to achieve their goals and aspirations. In this
blog post, we'll discuss the different types of social mobility and provide
examples of each.
1.
Horizontal Social Mobility
Horizontal
social mobility refers to a change in occupation or position within the same
social class. This type of social mobility does not involve an increase or
decrease in social status. For example, a factory worker who becomes a
supervisor has experienced horizontal social mobility.
2.
Vertical Social Mobility
Vertical
social mobility involves a change in social class or status. This type of
mobility can be upward or downward. Upward social mobility refers to an
increase in social status, while downward social mobility involves a decrease
in social status.
3.
Intergenerational Social Mobility
Intergenerational
social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one social
class to another across generations. For example, if a child from a low-income
family becomes a doctor, this is an example of upward intergenerational social
mobility.
4.
Intragenerational Social Mobility
Intragenerational
social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one social
class to another within their lifetime. For example, a college graduate who
goes from working in retail to becoming a successful business owner has
experienced intragenerational upward social mobility.
5.
Structural Social Mobility
Structural
social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups resulting from
changes in the overall structure of society. For example, a shift from an
agricultural-based economy to a service-based economy can create opportunities
for upward social mobility for those with the necessary skills and education.
Examples
of Social Mobility
- Upward
horizontal social mobility: A cashier who becomes a store manager
- Downward
vertical social mobility: A CEO who is fired and becomes a retail sales
associate
- Upward
intergenerational social mobility: A child from a working-class family who
becomes a successful lawyer
- Downward
intragenerational social mobility: A medical doctor who loses their license and
becomes a medical assistant
- Upward
structural social mobility: A woman who becomes a software engineer as a result
of the growth of the tech industry
In conclusion,
social mobility plays a crucial role in modern societies, providing individuals
with opportunities to improve their lives and achieve their goals.
Understanding the different types of social mobility can help us to identify
patterns and trends in social change, and to develop policies and programs that
promote upward social mobility for all.
