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

See Examples For:

social mobility

Prior to his downfall as Labour leader, Sir Keir had suggested he could bring Rayner back into his cabinet, adding she had the "best social mobility story this country has ever seen".

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

The former social mobility minister said she believed not having the right accent was still too often a barrier to progress, adding: "A regional accent must never be seen as a badge of shame."

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

That everyone can improve their life through hard work is a core US belief, despite a fierce debate over whether limitless social mobility is dead, dying -- or never existed at all.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 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

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

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez