social mobility

[soh-shuhl moh-bil-i-tee]

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.

social mobility

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of social mobility¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

"The chancellor's backing for this shovel-ready project will unlock private investment into housing in Thamesmead, and support employment and social mobility," he said.

Read more on BBC

Mr. Chetty and his co-authors point to a familiar mix of factors that make some places worse for social mobility—concentrated poverty, poor school quality, single-parent families, crime and racial bias.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on Barron's

That happens when unskilled immigrants are unable to join the occupations that offer social mobility: the civil service, armed forces and arts and crafts producing the “luxury” items and services to the “establishment” and to tourists.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

California has fought to expand access to affordable healthcare; stop the military on our streets and push back against masked police; and it leads our country in livable wages, safety nets, social equality and opportunities for social mobility.

Read more on Los Angeles Times