social mobility

American  

[soh-shuhl moh-bil-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl moʊˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

1. Sociology. the movement of people in a population, as from place to place, from job to job, or from one social class or level to another.

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social mobility Cultural  

1. The ability of individuals or groups to move upward or downward in status based on wealth, occupation, education, or some other social variable.

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American society operates on the principle that an individual's achievements can be rewarded by upward social mobility.

Etymology

Origin of social mobility

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Charlie Dewhirst, who represents Bridlington and The Wolds, called on the government to publish a strategy to improve social mobility for young white men living in poorer communities.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Many immigrant families, like Alex’s, are initially drawn to the U.S. with aspirations for education access and social mobility.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

The college entry exam, known locally as the "Suneung", is essential for admission to top universities and widely regarded as a gateway to social mobility, economic security and even a good marriage.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

Poverty and hunger are forms of structural violence that stunt lives, limit upward social mobility and raise the odds that a hungry child will one day end up in prison.

From Salon • Nov. 4, 2025

The original exemplar of American social mobility was almost certainly Benjamin Franklin, one of seventeen children of a candle maker.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times