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

Osborne and Ribeiro-Addy were among several Labour MPs who said they backed scrapping tuition fees altogether to boost social mobility and make higher education more accessible.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

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

See our full overall ranking and explore other rankings focused on student experiences, salary impact, social mobility and best value.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 29, 2025

After the Civil War and during the Reconstruction era, the federal government had opened jobs to blacks, providing social mobility particularly for those from educated backgrounds.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly