Social Mobility - GCSE Sociology Definition

Social mobility is the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social and economic ladder within a society. It means changing one's social status, which could be due to factors like education, occupation, or income. For example, if someone's parents work in low-paid jobs and they go on to become a lawyer or a doctor, that's upward social mobility. This concept is important because it shows how people can improve their lives and status over time, but it also highlights the barriers some may face in trying to do so. In a fair society, everyone would have an equal opportunity for social mobility, regardless of their background.