social+mobility

Social mobility is the movement of individuals, families or groups of people from one social class to another and the degree to which this is possible. Social stratification has been present since the development of civilization and human society thousands of years ago, and social mobility differs drastically from society to society and era to era. Social mobility (or lack thereof) may be be based on achievements, personal connections, or factors beyond one's control. For example, the Caste System of India, which saw its height around the first millenium BC and CE offered no social mobility - the class you were born into was the class you remained in for your entire life - while modern day America provides lots of opportunities for those of lower classes to rise to more prominent social standings. During the "Long 19th Century" with the Industrial Revolution and emergence of new classes such as the Borgeousie and later Petit Bourgeousie, social mobility became more accessible as members of the lowest class were able to move their way up to the Petit Bourgeousie and even higher.

Created by Frances Grimball Feb 11, 2009

Units 7 & 8