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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

social mobility

Since then, its remit has been confined to promoting social mobility in England more broadly and publishing an annual report, alongside advising ministers.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026

"Europe is associated, in young people's minds, with success and upward social mobility," she said, adding that social media played a key "amplifying role".

From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026

At the time of the revolution, the U.S. drew ambitious people by offering them rights and legal protections, open markets, abundant land, and social mobility.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

Earlier in the Commons, Sir Keir defended Phillipson and her "incredible story of social mobility and success" after growing up in poverty.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

In earlier decades, persons newly successful and ambitious for social mobility similarly seized upon certain ‘family words.’

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

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