What is social mobility?

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social and economic ladder within a society. It is often used as an indicator of a society’s level of equality and opportunity. Factors that can influence social mobility include education, economic structures, cultural norms, and government policies.

A society with high social mobility is generally considered more equitable, as it indicates that individuals have an equal opportunity to improve their socioeconomic status regardless of their starting point. Conversely, low social mobility suggests that systemic barriers exist, preventing people from accessing opportunities based on merit.

Overall, social mobility is a crucial measure of the health and fairness of a society, reflecting whether individuals truly have the opportunity to change their circumstances and achieve their potential.