Social Mobility: Class Ascription and Achievement

The Process of Social Stratification

Overview of Social Mobility

  • Social mobility refers to the movement within the occupational structure, often distinguished as horizontal (equal rank) and vertical mobility (up or down rank).

  • Primary concern in social stratification is vertical mobility, indicating class openness.

Types of Mobility

  • Horizontal Mobility: Movement within equal ranks (e.g., electrician switching jobs).

  • Vertical Mobility: Movement to higher or lower ranks.

    • Upward Mobility: E.g., from police officer to teacher (higher prestige).

    • Downward Mobility: E.g., from police officer to barber (lower prestige).

  • Structural Mobility: Changes in occupational structure affecting mobility.

  • Circulation Mobility: Fluidity categorized by exchange movements in occupations.

  • Intergenerational Mobility: Comparing parents’ positions to offspring.

  • Intragenerational Mobility: Assessing an individual's occupational status over time.

Research on Social Mobility

  • Early studies (Rogoff, Blau and Duncan) paved the way for comprehensive understanding.

  • Empirical studies have focused on the correlation between mobility and factors like family background, education, and economic conditions.

  • Research trends show movement from occupational measures to income mobility studies due to measurement issues.

Patterns of Social Mobility in the U.S.

  • Mobility has historically been upward overall, but patterns show both stability and recent decline.

  • Data from Blau and Duncan (1967) raised awareness about occupational inheritance rates:

    • High inheritance in top and bottom classes, with decreased mobility in recent years.

  • Mobility less prevalent among specific demographics (blacks and women), showing increased rigidity at lower levels.

Factors Influencing Mobility

  • Family background (ascription vs. achievement) plays a significant role.

  • Recent research indicates economic conditions and structural changes affect mobility, particularly in the 1980s-1990s.

Comparative Mobility Trends

  • When comparing U.S. mobility to other countries, U.S. shows lower intergenerational mobility.

  • Income mobility studies reveal a shrinking middle class and increased challenges for upward mobility in the U.S. compared to other industrialized nations.

Conclusion

  • Despite historical claims of the U.S. being the land of opportunity, current data suggests more entrenched inequality and challenges in mobility, particularly for racial minorities and women.

  • Continuing research is essential in understanding the nuances of social mobility and stratification processes.