Sociological research related to social mobility

Understanding Social Mobility

  • Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move up or down in their social and economic status.
  • It is an important indicator of the level of equality and opportunity in a society.
  • Social mobility can be split into intergenerational mobility (change in social status across generations) and intragenerational mobility (change within a person’s lifetime).
  • It can also be described as either upward mobility (improvement in socio-economic status) or downward mobility (a decline in socio-economic status).

Theories and Concepts in Social Mobility

  • Sociologists use theories of social stratification to explain social mobility. These theories might emphasise the role of the class system, status hierarchy, or power elites.
  • The opportunity structure theory explores how chances for social mobility are shaped by factors such as education, occupation, and wealth.
  • The life chances concept, introduced by Max Weber, asserts that individuals’ opportunities for achieving economic prosperity vary depending on their social status at birth.

Social Mobility and Education

  • Education is often considered a key driver of social mobility, providing individuals with the skills and qualifications to access higher status jobs.
  • Research has shown a strong correlation between parental socio-economic status and children’s educational attainment.
  • The hidden curriculum theory proposes that socio-economic disparities in education aren’t just about material resources, but also social and cultural factors that can advantage or disadvantage students.

Barriers to Social Mobility

  • Barriers to social mobility can take multiple forms and are deeply intertwined with societal structures and norms.
  • Structural factors such as income inequality, discrimination, and poor access to quality education can limit upward mobility.
  • Personal factors like health, intelligence and individual motivation can also impact an individual’s opportunities for upward mobility.
  • Social capital — the advantage gained from relationships and networks — plays a significant role in social mobility as it often favours those from higher social classes who have more access to such networks.

Measuring Social Mobility

  • Social mobility can be measured quantitatively using occupational status, income, or education level as a proxy for an individual’s social status.
  • It can also be assessed qualitatively through life history interviews or ethnographic studies, which capture nuanced factors affecting an individual’s social mobility.
  • Understanding social mobility measurements is key to analysing social problems related to equality and opportunity.

By understanding these key points, you can better grasp the different elements of sociological research related to social mobility. This knowledge will further your understanding of the structural and personal factors that affect the life chances of individuals and groups in society.