Social MobilityStudy Unit 8.2

By C. Settley

Learning Outcomes

• Give a detailed explanation of the concept social mobility

• Discuss the differences between vertical and horizontal mobility

• Discuss the consequences of social mobility

The concept social mobility

• The movement of an individual from one social status or class to another

Social mobility

Open Class System

• - A few obstacles in moving from one status to another

• - Equal opportunities irrespective of birth, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, background

• - Equal opportunities to alter social position/social stratification system

Closed Class System

• Characterized by children inheriting their social positions from their parents

• Fixed/ascribed• Positions are strongly

based on qualities such as race, gender, social background or ethnicity

• - No control over these qualities

Open – and Closed Class Systems

Vertical and Horizontal Mobility

• Vertical Mobility• Refers to the upward or downward movement

on the status ladder• Example: being promoted, marrying a wealthy

person• Two factors that give rise to upward mobility: • 1) a highly industrialized society• 2) highly trained individuals

Vertical and Horizontal Mobility

• Vertical Mobility

• Downward movement refers to the loss of a job or when people do the same job for less in salary wages, lack of education, early marriage or large families

• Vertical Mobility thus implies a change of social status!!!

Consequences of social mobility

• Although most people rate upward mobility highly, it may have unpleasant consequences.

• Adjustment to new status may cause problems (uncertainty, responsibilities)

• Old friends may be exchanged due to occupational statuses.

Consequences of social mobility

• May cause family problems. • Moving, travelling. • May result in financial burdens. • May also create false expectations. • May lead to disappointments. • Stress and psychological conditions. • Higher incidences of suicide, depression,

psychosis.

Reference

• Du Toit, D. & le Roux, E. (2014). Nursing sociology. 5th ed. Pretoria: Van Schaik.