What is social mobility?

Changes in standing within the social hierarchy are referred to as “social mobility.” In the last part, we discussed how, in an open social stratification structure, it is feasible to transfer from one class to another. The capacity to rise up the social ladder in society is known as social mobility. Closed social systems, as previously stated, enable  minimal social mobility. However, open social systems allow for greater social mobility.

What are the types and how can social mobility occur?

As a result, social mobility may be divided into two categories: vertical mobility and horizontal mobility.

  1. The transition from one rank to the other is referred to as vertical mobility. This results in shifts in social status, professions, and authority. It can be further divided into two types:
    1. Upward mobility (e.g., from middle class to upper class) and 
    2. Downward mobility (e.g., from middle class to lower class).
  2. Horizontal mobility, on the other hand, refers to moving from one social group to another on a similar level. This denotes a shift in status rather than a change in position.

What is the difference between social stratification and mobility?

The major distinction between social stratification and social mobility is that social stratification refers to how individuals are classified and arranged in society, whereas social mobility refers to how people move within a social stratification structure.

Secondly, while social stratification is constant, not every type of social stratification allows for social mobility. In reality, in restricted social institutions, there is relatively limited potential for social mobility.

Finally, there are two primary forms of social stratification: open and closed systems; on the other hand, social mobility has two types: horizontal and vertical mobility.

Every civilization has a system of stratification; people are classified into various levels and roles based on a variety of characteristics. For example, in today’s culture, a stratification structure based on money and property will be used. It is also feasible to progress through the social strata and enter a higher degree on occasion. This potential to climb the social ladder is referred to as social mobility.