Social Mobility Concepts

What is social mobility?

• The movement of people within the same social class.

• The movement of people either up or down from one social class to another.

• The movement of people from one country to another.

• The movement of people within the same job.

What characterises an open system of stratification?

• Social mobility is not possible.

• Social positions are based on ascribed characteristics.

• Individuals have some chance of changing social position based on their achievements.

• Social positions are fixed and unchangeable.

Which type of social mobility refers to an individual moving during their working life?

• Intergenerational mobility

• Intragenerational mobility

• Absolute mobility

• Relative mobility

What is perfect social mobility?

• When individuals move up or down based on their family background.

• When individuals move up or down based on their own efforts, skills, and abilities.

• When there is no movement between social classes.

• When everyone remains in the same social class as their parents.

What does absolute mobility measure?

• The total number of people moving up and down the class structure within a given time period.

• The number of movements adjusted for changes in the occupational structure.

• The movement of individuals compared to their parents' social class.

• The movement of individuals within their working life.

What is relative mobility?

• The total number of people moving up and down the class structure.

• The movement of individuals within their working life.

• The number of movements adjusted to take into account changes in the occupational structure.

• The movement of individuals compared to their parents' social class.

Why is studying social mobility useful?

• It helps to understand the extent to which society is closed.

• It uncovers the extent to which an individual’s life chances are determined by their birth circumstances.

• It shows that all social classes benefit equally from mobility.

• It proves that social mobility is not important.

What effect do high rates of social mobility have on class solidarity?

• They strengthen class solidarity.

• They limit the development of class solidarity.

• They have no effect on class solidarity.

• They make class solidarity permanent.

What is likely to happen in societies with low rates of social mobility?

• Higher levels of class consciousness.

• Lower levels of class consciousness.

• No change in class consciousness.

• Complete elimination of class consciousness.

What can the extent of social mobility create among individuals?

• Satisfaction and contentment.

• Resentment and dissatisfaction.

• Indifference and apathy.

• Complete happiness.