How is social mobility typically measured in quantitative research?

Social mobility is most often quantitatively measured in terms of changes in economic indicators like income or wealth. Occupation is another common measure, often involving both quantitative and qualitative analysis, while some studies focus specifically on social class.

What is the difference between intragenerational and intergenerational social mobility?

Intragenerational mobility refers to movement within an individual's own lifetime, often described as 'rags to riches' scenarios. Intergenerational mobility, on the other hand, involves movement between different generations, such as a child achieving a higher economic status than their parents or grandparents.

How does absolute mobility differ from relative mobility?

Absolute mobility measures an individual's progress in areas like education, health, income, and job opportunities compared to their own past or previous generations. Relative mobility, however, examines an individual's movement in comparison to others within the same cohort or generation.

What is meant by the 'stickiness' of social mobility?

The 'stickiness' of social mobility describes the phenomenon where individuals remain in the same socioeconomic position as their parents. This is often observed at both the lower end, where parents may lack resources to improve their children's lives, and the upper end, where parents have resources to ensure their children maintain a similar high status.

According to the text, what factors influence social mobility beyond economic measures?

Social mobility is influenced by various dimensions of status, including economic standing, prestige, and power, as conceptualized by Max Weber. Additionally, factors such as sex or gender, race or ethnicity, and age can significantly affect an individual's social mobility.

How does wealth inequality impact educational opportunities and social mobility?

High wealth inequality directly affects educational opportunities and outcomes, thereby influencing social mobility. Families with greater socioeconomic status can invest more in their children's education from an early age, providing advantages that contribute to better academic success and future prospects.

What are the observed trends in educational attainment gaps between high- and low-income students in the US?

The gap in educational attainment between high- and low-income students has widened over the past thirty years. This trend is evident in both K-12 test scores and college graduation rates, with students from wealthier households experiencing significantly greater increases in college completion compared to those from poorer households.

What is the concept of 'cultural capital' as defined by Pierre Bourdieu?

Cultural capital, as defined by Pierre Bourdieu, refers to non-financial social assets that can provide an advantage in society, such as education, skills, or knowledge. Along with economic and social capital, cultural capital influences a person's social standing and mobility.

How do the parenting styles of 'concerted cultivation' and 'accomplishment of natural growth' relate to social mobility?

The 'concerted cultivation' style, common among middle and upper-class families with higher education, involves active engagement in children's development and education, fostering a sense of entitlement that can lead to greater classroom participation and teacher favor. In contrast, the 'accomplishment of natural growth' style, more prevalent in working-class families, involves less direct intervention, which can lead to children being less inclined to question adults or actively engage with teachers.

What are the three types of capital identified by Bourdieu that influence social standing?

Pierre Bourdieu identified three types of capital that contribute to an individual's social category and mobility: economic capital (financial resources), social capital (resources from group membership and networks), and cultural capital (education, skills, and knowledge).

What is the 'social gradient' in health?

The 'social gradient' in health refers to the observation that inequalities in health status are directly connected to an individual's social status. This means that people with lower social status tend to experience poorer health outcomes.

What are the social causation and health selection hypotheses regarding health and socioeconomic status?

The social causation hypothesis suggests that social factors and environmental circumstances determine an individual's health. Conversely, the health selection hypothesis posits that an individual's health status dictates their social stratum. Research tends to support the social causation hypothesis more strongly.

How do higher education policies influence social stratification and mobility?

Higher education policies can either hinder or facilitate social mobility. Systems with significant gaps in quality and investment between elite and standard universities can reinforce stratification, making it harder for middle and lower classes to move upward, while the upper class often remains self-reproducing due to access to elite institutions.

What is the concept of mixed housing in relation to social mobility?

Mixed housing refers to the idea of people from different socioeconomic statuses living in the same area. While it's theorized to help lower-status individuals gain resources and connections, existing research suggests it does not actively promote upward social mobility, as residents tend to keep to themselves.

How does the 'Great Gatsby curve' illustrate the relationship between inequality and mobility?

The Great Gatsby curve demonstrates a correlation between high levels of economic inequality and low rates of relative social mobility. It suggests that in societies with greater income disparities, it is harder for individuals to move up the socioeconomic ladder compared to their parents.

What is the 'Economic Despair' idea in the context of the Great Gatsby curve?

The 'Economic Despair' idea suggests that as the income gap between the bottom and middle classes widens, individuals at the lower end may lose faith in their ability to achieve upward mobility, leading them to invest less in their human capital, such as education.

How has race historically influenced social mobility?

Race has been a significant factor influencing social mobility, with its impact often stemming from colonial times. While its direct influence may vary, research suggests that racial inequality can still hinder upward mobility, particularly for those not starting in the upper class, and can manifest in workplace discrimination.

What does a 2019 Indian study suggest about gender and social mobility?

A 2019 study in India indicated that women experience less social mobility than men. This is attributed to factors like poorer educational opportunities for females and cultural expectations that they become homemakers rather than pursue careers, even if educated.

What is the relationship between economic inequality and social mobility in developed countries, according to studies like 'The Spirit Level'?

Studies, including 'The Spirit Level,' suggest a strong relationship between high economic inequality and low social mobility. Countries with greater income disparities, such as the US, tend to have lower rates of social mobility compared to more egalitarian nations like Denmark or Norway.

What did a 2006 study comparing developed countries find regarding intergenerational income elasticity and social mobility?

A 2006 study found that countries with the lowest 'intergenerational income elasticity' (meaning the highest social mobility) included Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Canada. In these countries, less than 20% of the advantages of having a high-income parent were passed on to their children.

How does the US compare to other developed countries in terms of social mobility and economic inequality?

The US exhibits high economic inequality and, consequently, low economic mobility compared to many other developed countries. This 'stickiness' is particularly pronounced at the lowest and highest rungs of the socioeconomic ladder.

What is the significance of education in the context of social mobility?

Education is widely considered a fundamental mechanism and a strong driver for social mobility. It provides individuals with opportunities to move between social strata, although the quality and access to education are heavily influenced by socioeconomic background.

What did the Scottish Mental Survey 1932 study reveal about childhood intelligence and later social status?

The Scottish Mental Survey 1932 study found that childhood intelligence (IQ at age 11) was a significant predictor of social status attainment in mid-life. Higher IQ correlated with higher social class, greater educational attainment, and increased chances of upward social mobility.

What is the difference between elitist and egalitarian education systems regarding social mobility?

Elitist education systems focus on providing specialized tools for their best students, potentially leading to higher utilitarian welfare but lower social mobility. Egalitarian systems aim to give equal opportunity to all students, which, when private supplements are not considered, is found to derive the greatest amount of social mobility.

How does family income influence a child's mental ability and educational outcomes?

Family income plays a crucial role in determining a child's mental ability and educational outcomes. Higher-income families can invest more in their children's early development and education, providing advantages that contribute to better academic success and, consequently, greater social mobility.

What is the general consensus on the effect of mixed housing on upward social mobility?

While initially theorized to promote upward social mobility by providing low-income residents with access to resources and social connections, current research suggests that mixed housing does not effectively facilitate this movement. Instead, residents of different socioeconomic statuses tend to interact casually and maintain distance.

What role do social networks play in income mobility, according to recent data?

Recent data indicates that social connectedness to people of higher income levels is a strong predictor of upward income mobility. However, this is contrasted by substantial social segregation that correlates with economic income groups.

How does the concept of 'waithood' relate to social mobility?

Waithood refers to a period of prolonged transition between adolescence and adulthood, often characterized by unemployment or underemployment, which can hinder social mobility. This state can delay or prevent individuals from achieving stable careers and upward movement in society.

What is the 'Great Gatsby curve' and what does it illustrate about countries like Chile and Brazil?

The Great Gatsby curve shows a negative relationship between income inequality and intergenerational mobility. Countries with high inequality, such as Chile and Brazil, tend to have some of the lowest rates of social mobility, meaning parental income has a strong influence on a child's future income.

What factors are cited as contributing to the 'economic grievance thesis' and its link to populism?

The economic grievance thesis points to factors like deindustrialization, economic liberalization, and deregulation as causes for the formation of a 'left-behind' precariat. This group experiences low job security and high inequality, making them susceptible to populist rhetoric and support.

What did the 2005 Scottish study reveal about the influence of childhood IQ and education on mid-life social status?

The 2005 Scottish study found that childhood intelligence and years of education were significant positive predictors of upward social mobility. Higher IQ and more education increased the likelihood of achieving a higher social class in mid-life compared to one's father's social class.

How does the transmission of educational attainment across generations affect social class maintenance?

The intergenerational transmission of educational attainment is a key way social class is maintained within families. Educational success often predicts social class attainment, reinforcing existing social structures, although individual mobility is still possible through educational pathways.

What is the observed difference in graduation rates between inner-city and suburban schools in the US?

There is a significant disparity in graduation rates between inner-city and suburban schools across the US. For example, inner-city schools often have considerably lower graduation rates (e.g., 71% in Detroit) compared to their suburban counterparts (e.g., 94% in Grosse Pointe).

What is the role of 'human capital' in social mobility, particularly for minority groups?

Human capital, defined as the skills, abilities, and knowledge possessed by individuals, plays a role in social mobility. For minority groups, research suggests that even with high human capital, a legacy of racism and discrimination can hinder their ability to transmit these advantages to their children as effectively as their white counterparts.

How does the concept of 'status attainment' relate to social mobility?

Status attainment refers to the process by which individuals achieve their social standing or position in society. Social mobility is a key outcome of this process, indicating the movement between different levels of status attainment over time or across generations.

What is the significance of the 'American Dream' in relation to intergenerational mobility in the US?

Intergenerational upward mobility is often described as a fundamental feature of the 'American Dream,' symbolizing the belief that individuals can improve their socioeconomic status through hard work. However, studies indicate that the US has less such mobility compared to many other OECD countries.

What is the 'social causation hypothesis' and how does it relate to health and socioeconomic status?

The social causation hypothesis posits that social factors, such as an individual's behavior and environment, directly influence their health. This perspective suggests that lower socioeconomic status can lead to poorer health outcomes, rather than poor health leading to lower socioeconomic status (health selection).

What does the text suggest about the relationship between gender and social mobility in India?

A study on Indian women found they experience less social mobility compared to men, often due to factors like lower educational investment by families, cultural expectations to be homemakers, and the potential need for a dowry upon marriage, which can be seen as an economic burden.

How does the 'Great Gatsby Curve' relate to income inequality and social mobility?

The 'Great Gatsby Curve' illustrates a positive correlation between income inequality and intergenerational income elasticity (a measure of mobility). In simpler terms, countries with higher income inequality tend to have lower social mobility, meaning a person's economic standing is more strongly tied to their parents' economic standing.

What is the impact of 'stickiness' at the socioeconomic ladder's ends on social mobility?

The 'stickiness' at the ends of the socioeconomic ladder refers to the tendency for individuals to remain in the same position as their parents. At the bottom, lack of resources hinders upward movement, while at the top, inherited advantages help maintain high status, both reducing overall social mobility.

What is the difference between absolute and relative mobility in the context of societal development?

Absolute mobility reflects general improvements in living standards over time, meaning people on average are better off than in the past. Relative mobility, however, focuses on how individuals move up or down the ladder compared to their peers, which may not increase even if absolute standards rise.

How does the concept of 'cultural cultivation' parenting style influence a child's educational experience?

The 'cultural cultivation' parenting style, common in middle and upper-class families, involves parents actively engaging with their children's development and education. This often leads to children asking more questions in school and interacting more positively with teachers, potentially leading to better academic outcomes.

What is the role of social capital in social mobility?

Social capital, which includes resources gained from group membership, networks, and relationships, can influence social mobility. Strong social networks can provide support and opportunities that aid individuals in navigating social strata.

What does the text suggest about the relationship between race and social mobility in Brazil?

A study on the Brazilian population suggested that racial inequality primarily affects social mobility for individuals who do not belong to the high-class status. This implies that class position can sometimes override racial influence, or that racial disparities are more pronounced outside the elite.

What are the potential consequences of mixed housing on community dynamics?

While intended to foster integration, mixed housing can lead to a lack of deep relationships between residents of different socioeconomic statuses. If unaddressed, this can contribute to the gentrification of a community, potentially displacing lower-income residents.

How does the 'economic grievance thesis' explain support for populism?

The 'economic grievance thesis' argues that economic factors like deindustrialization and deregulation create a 'precariat' class facing job insecurity and inequality. This group's economic hardship and resentment can lead them to support populist political movements.

What is the significance of IQ at age 11 for social mobility, according to the Scottish study?

The Scottish study indicated that IQ at age 11 was a strong predictor of social mobility. For every standard deviation increase in IQ score, the chances of upward social mobility increased by 69%, and higher IQ was inversely related to downward mobility.

How does the US compare to European nations like Denmark and France regarding social mobility, according to the New York Times graphic?

A New York Times graphic indicated that European nations such as Denmark and France have higher rates of social mobility compared to the United States. This suggests that socioeconomic background may have less influence on an individual's life chances in those countries.

What is the relationship between parental income and college graduation rates in the US?

There is a significant disparity in college graduation rates based on parental income in the US. Children from the wealthiest households are substantially more likely to graduate from college than those from the poorest households, reflecting widening socioeconomic gaps in educational attainment.

Social Mobility Wiki: Navigating the Social Ladder: An Analytical Exploration of Mobility

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What is Social Mobility?

Movement Within Strata

Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals, families, or groups within or between social strata in a society. It signifies a change in social status relative to one's current position within a given social stratification system.

Open Systems and Achieved Status

In open stratification systems, mobility is facilitated by the recognition of achieved status characteristics. This movement can occur in either a downward or upward direction, reflecting shifts in an individual's or group's societal standing.

Key Indicators

Markers such as education, occupation, and economic standing (income, wealth) are frequently employed to measure and analyze social mobility, providing insights into an individual's or group's trajectory within the social hierarchy.

Typology of Mobility

Temporal Dimensions

Mobility is categorized temporally into:

Intragenerational Mobility: Changes in social status occurring within an individual's lifetime.
Intergenerational Mobility: Changes in social status occurring between generations (e.g., children compared to parents).

Intergenerational upward mobility, often associated with the "American Dream," is more commonly observed, though its prevalence varies significantly across nations.

Measurement Approaches

Mobility can be assessed through:

Absolute Mobility: Measures progress in areas like income, health, and education compared to a baseline (e.g., the previous generation). Technological and economic development generally lead to absolute upward mobility over time.
Relative Mobility: Examines an individual's movement in comparison to others within the same cohort. This is often more constrained in developed economies, where individuals may improve their living standards but maintain their relative position among peers.

The Concept of Stickiness

Mobility patterns often exhibit "stickiness," particularly at the socioeconomic extremes. Parents at the lower end may lack resources to facilitate upward mobility for their children, while those at the upper end can often ensure their children maintain a similar high status, limiting relative mobility.

Influencing Factors

Class, Capital, and Parenting

Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu identified three forms of capital—economic, social, and cultural—that shape an individual's social position. Parenting styles, such as "concerted cultivation" (common in middle/upper classes) versus "accomplishment of natural growth" (common in working classes), significantly impact children's cognitive and non-cognitive skill development, influencing educational attainment and subsequent mobility.

Health and Socioeconomic Status

The "social gradient" in health suggests a correlation between socioeconomic status and health outcomes. Research generally supports the social causation hypothesis—that social factors influence health—more than the health selection hypothesis (where health dictates social stratum).

Education's Pivotal Role

Education is a primary mechanism for social mobility. However, stratification within educational systems, influenced by family income and parental investment, creates disparities. Differences in school quality, particularly between urban and suburban areas, contribute to varying graduation rates and, consequently, differing opportunities for upward mobility.

Race and Gender Disparities

Historical and ongoing systemic factors related to race and gender significantly impact social mobility. Racial inequality can hinder upward mobility, particularly for minority groups, while gender disparities in education and the workforce continue to affect women's trajectories.

Societal Patterns

Income Inequality and Mobility

The "Great Gatsby Curve" illustrates a negative correlation between income inequality and intergenerational mobility. Higher levels of inequality are associated with lower rates of relative social mobility, suggesting that economic disparities can create barriers to upward movement.

This economic principle posits that in societies with greater income disparities, the correlation between parental income and a child's future income is stronger. This implies reduced opportunities for individuals from lower-income backgrounds to ascend the economic ladder.

The Impact of Inequality

Research, such as that presented in "The Spirit Level," indicates that societies with higher levels of economic inequality tend to exhibit poorer social outcomes, including lower social mobility. The United States, for instance, often shows high inequality alongside lower mobility compared to many European nations.

Policy and Structural Influences

Economic policies, deindustrialization, and deregulation can contribute to increased inequality and volatility in family incomes, potentially fueling populist sentiments. The structure of educational systems, whether more elitist or egalitarian, also plays a crucial role in shaping mobility patterns.

Research Insights

Intelligence and Attainment

Longitudinal studies, such as those conducted in Scotland, highlight the significant role of childhood cognitive ability (IQ) and educational attainment in predicting adult social status and mobility. These factors often mediate the relationship between social origins and destinations.

Research involving cohorts born in the early 20th century demonstrated that higher IQ scores at age 11 were strongly associated with upward social mobility, even after controlling for other variables. Education served as a key pathway, but IQ also had direct effects on social class attainment.

Education's Mediating Role

The relationship between social origins and occupational destinations is often mediated by educational attainment. While family background remains influential, the quality and type of education received can significantly alter an individual's capacity for upward or downward mobility.

US Context: Meritocracy vs. Reality

Despite a strong cultural belief in meritocracy in the United States, empirical data suggests lower levels of social mobility compared to many other developed nations. Significant disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes, influenced by socioeconomic status, contribute to this pattern.

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References

Scottish Council for Research in Education (1933). The intelligence of Scottish children: A national survey of an age-group. London, UK7 University of London Press.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Social mobility Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI for educational and informational purposes, based on data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and academic rigor, it is not a substitute for scholarly research or professional consultation.

This is not professional advice. The analysis of social mobility is complex and multifaceted. Information presented here should not be used as a basis for personal financial, career, or life decisions. Always consult with qualified academic advisors, sociologists, economists, or career counselors for personalized guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, applications, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

Navigating the Social Ladder

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Social Mobility? ℹ️

⬆️ Movement Within Strata

⚖️ Open Systems and Achieved Status

📊 Key Indicators

Typology of Mobility ↔️

⏳ Temporal Dimensions

📏 Measurement Approaches

🔗 The Concept of Stickiness

Influencing Factors 🔗

👥 Class, Capital, and Parenting

❤️ Health and Socioeconomic Status

🎓 Education's Pivotal Role

🌍 Race and Gender Disparities

Societal Patterns 📈

💰 Income Inequality and Mobility

⚖️ The Impact of Inequality

🏛️ Policy and Structural Influences

Research Insights 🔬

🧠 Intelligence and Attainment

📚 Education's Mediating Role

🇺🇸 US Context: Meritocracy vs. Reality

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic and Informational Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Social Mobility?

Movement Within Strata

Open Systems and Achieved Status

Key Indicators

Typology of Mobility

Temporal Dimensions

Measurement Approaches

The Concept of Stickiness

Influencing Factors

Class, Capital, and Parenting

Health and Socioeconomic Status

Education's Pivotal Role

Race and Gender Disparities

Societal Patterns

Income Inequality and Mobility

The Impact of Inequality

Policy and Structural Influences

Research Insights

Intelligence and Attainment

Education's Mediating Role

US Context: Meritocracy vs. Reality

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic and Informational Notice