horizontal mobility

American  

noun

Sociology.

1. movement from one position to another within the same social level, as changing jobs without altering occupational status, or moving between social groups having the same social status.

2. cultural diffusion within the same social level, as the spread of fashion within one economic class.

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horizontal mobility British  

noun

1. sociol the movement of groups or individuals to positions that differ from those previously held but do not involve any change in class, status, or power Compare vertical mobility See also upward mobility downward mobility

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Example Sentences

In addition to complaining of direct denial of promotion opportunity, so-called "vertical mobility," some black officers alleged that their chances of promotion had been systematically reduced by the services when they failed to provide Negroes with "horizontal mobility," that is, with a wide variety of assignments and all-important command experience which would justify their future advancement.

From Project Gutenberg