Social Mobility- Meaning AND Definition PDF

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SOCIAL MOBILITY: MEANING AND DEFINITIONINTRODUCTIONWe've learned that our society is stratified, and that not everyone is assigned the same position or rank. Every person has a specific position or status, and they are identified in society by the statuses they hold and the roles they play. However,...

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SOCIAL MOBILITY: MEANING AND DEFINITION INTRODUCTION

We've learned that our society is stratified, and that not everyone is assigned the same position or rank. Every person has a specific position or status, and they are identified in society by the statuses they hold and the roles they play. However, we have learned that society, as well as individuals and their positions, is constantly changing. Every individual strives to improve his or her position in society and elevate his or her status. Individuals are constantly striving to advance from a lower to a higher position, secure a better job from a worse one, and so on. People of higher status and position may be forced to descend to a lower status for a variety of reasons. As a result, people in society continue to progress up and down the social ladder. This is referred to as social mobility. We will attempt to comprehend the concept of social mobility and its various types in this unit. With examples, we'll learn about open and closed systems, as well as the factors that affect mobility.

SOCIAL MOBILITY: MEANING AND DEFINITION

Many of us are familiar with the term mobility, which refers to movement. Individuals or groups move from one position or rank in the social strata to another over time, which is referred to as social mobility. Every society, as we all know, is stratified, and we are all born into a specific rank or position. For instance, a specific caste group, a class, and so on. Social Mobility is defined as the ability to change one's social position as an individual or as a group over the course of one's lifetime. This shift in position could be either upwards or downwards. An individual may rise up the social ladder by achieving a higher position, whereas another individual may fall from a higher position to a lower position. As a result, mobility can be both upward and downward. Our current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who began his career as a tea seller and rose to the position of Prime Minister today, is an excellent example of upward mobility. Ascending the social ladder and achieving a higher position brings

with it or is accompanied by increased prestige, power, financial gain, and so on... Moving down the social ladder or losing a higher position, on the other hand, results in disrepute, disrespect, financial loss, and so on. Losing a job is an example of social mobility downward. "As a process by which individuals move from one position to another between such hierarchical arrangements that are found in each society," Lipset and Bendix defined Social Mobility. "Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals and groups between different socioeconomic positions," according to Giddens. Social mobility, according to Wallace and Wallace, is the movement of a person or people from one social status to another. We can deduce from the above description that Social Mobility refers to any change in the status or position of individuals or groups in society, either upwards or downwards in the Social Hierarchy, over time. It can happen in either an upward or downward direction. When a person from a poor family rises through the ranks of society, changing his class position by accumulating wealth, his status or position changes. This is the concept of upward mobility. It is a case of downward mobility when a wealthy person becomes poor and loses his previous position. Social mobility is a crucial aspect of social stratification research. In fact, because the nature, form, range, and degree of social mobility are all dependent on the nature of the social stratification system, it is an inseparable aspect of it. The degree of social mobility is frequently used as a measure of a society's openness and fluidity. Closed systems provide little opportunity for social mobility, whereas open systems have a relatively high rate of social mobility.

Types of Social Mobility

The concept of social mobility is multifaceted. It can occur in a variety of ways, at various times, and in various locations. It can be Vertical Mobility (either upward or downward mobility) or Horizontal Mobility in terms of direction. It can be either

inter-generational or intra-generational in terms of time. Let us now try to comprehend these types in greater depth. Horizontal mobility is the ability to move horizontally. It refers to a change in an individual's or a group's occupational position or role without a change in their social hierarchy position. In this case, the person moves from one social position to another of equal rank. In this case, an individual's occupation may change, but his or her overall social standing or status remains the same. It's a transition from one status to another. For example, a teacher may change schools, but his or her position remains the same. This is an example of Horizontal Mobility. Again, there are no significant changes in a rural laborer's position in the hierarchy when he moves to the city and becomes an industrial worker. In this case, the individual does not change in the social stratification system, and the movement is referred to as Horizontal Mobility because it occurs at the same level. As a result, horizontal mobility refers to a person's movement from one social group to another on the same level. Individuals move around here, but their position and prestige remain the same. As a result, there is a change in status without a change in position. It denotes a shift in position within the same status range. Vertical Mobility is the ability to move vertically. It refers to changes in an individual's or a group's position in the social hierarchy. Unlike horizontal mobility, the individual's position and status change. Vertical social mobility occurs when a person moves up or down the social ladder or hierarchy. Upward Vertical Mobility is demonstrated by APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, who rose from a lower-class background to such a prestigious position. It would be indicative of upward mobility if a daily wage worker one day became a wealthy businessman. Upward mobility is more common than downward mobility, which occurs only in rare cases or infrequently. Vertical Mobility, according to Inkles, is "movement from one stratum to another up or down any of the possible stratification hierarchies." Vertical mobility refers to the movement of an individual, a group of people, or a group of people from one status to another. It entails a change in an individual's status over the course of their lifetime to a higher or lower status than they had before.

Vertical Social Mobility in Different Forms: We learned from the preceding discussion that vertical mobility can occur in two ways: individuals and groups can improve their position in the hierarchy by moving upwards, or they can worsen their position and fall down the hierarchy. Individual mobility is defined as when people gain access to political power, make money, and exert influence over others as a result of their new status. Groups, like individuals, can achieve high social mobility. It is an example of upward mobility when a dalit from a village becomes a high-ranking official. An aristocrat or a member of the upper class, on the other hand, may lose his wealth and be forced to work in a manual occupation. This is a case of downward mobility in action. There are three types of vertical mobility: Intergenerational Mobility is a term that refers to the movement of people from one generation to the next. In terms of social mobility, the time factor is crucial. Intergenerational mobility is a type of mobility that is based on the time factor involved in social mobility. Inter-generational mobility occurs when changes occur from one generation to the next. Children's social positions in relation to their parents change as a result of this type of mobility. A doctor with a farmer father is an example of upward intergenerational mobility, while a driver with a lawyer father is an example of downward intergenerational mobility. Inter-generational mobility thus denotes a shift in one generation's status or position in comparison to a previous generation; a shift in the status of family members from one generation to the next. People have a very small chance of changing their position in societies where the stratification system is rigid and closed. When there is little intergenerational mobility, it is clear that inequality is deeply rooted in society, and individuals' positions and status are solely determined by their birth. When people have mobility, they can clearly achieve new statuses through their own efforts, regardless of their birth circumstances.  Intra-generational Mobility: Intra-generational mobility refers to movement within a single generation. It refers to a change in an individual's position or social status over the course of his or her lifetime. In this case, the change in position is not compared to the previous generation as it is in inter-generational mobility, but rather to what the

individual's position was previously and what he is now. The change in status could be upwards or downwards this time. It is an example of upward intra-generational mobility when a clerk starts his career as a clerk and later becomes an officer. In this case, the person's position is changed or elevated, giving him more status, wealth, and power. When a person loses a job or is fired, on the other hand, it indicates a downward intra-generational mobility.  Structural Mobility: This refers to a group's or class's vertical mobility in relation to others in the stratification system. It is a form of forced mobility because it occurs as a result of structural changes rather than individual efforts. For example, historical events or labour market changes may cause an occupational group to rise or fall in the social hierarchy. Immigrants may shift class alignments, particularly if the newcomers are disproportionately highly skilled or unskilled.

Open and Closed Systems of Mobility We have either open or closed mobility systems depending on the degree of openness or closeness of a society's stratification system. Let us now try to comprehend this in greater depth.

OPEN SYSTEM OF MOBILITY:

Individuals can change their position and status in an open system. Those societies with occupational diversity, a flexible hierarchy, differentiated social structure, and rapid change are more likely to have an open system of mobility. The stratification system is adaptable and encourages competition, allowing individuals to compete for higher status based on their abilities. In this context, birth is not the sole determinant of a person's status. Individuals are assigned to various positions based on their merit, skills, competence, capability, or accomplishment. As a result, a person's position or status in this system is not passed down through the generations. In such a system, the

dominant values emphasise individual equality and freedom, as well as change and innovation.

CLOSED SYSTEM OF MOBILITY:

In a society with a closed mobility system, a person's birth is the most important determinant of his or her position. Individuals have very little room to change their positions in this society, which is strictly or rigidly stratified. In these societies, a person becomes a member of the group or category to which his or her parents belong. He takes on his parents' position and status and maintains it throughout his life. In a closed mobility system, changing one's status is extremely difficult. As a result, the closed system emphasises the hierarchy's associative nature. It justifies inequity in the distribution of production resources, status symbols, and power positions while discouraging any attempt to change them. Any attempt to bring about change or promote mobility in such a system is permanently suppressed. Individuals are assigned to their place in the social structure based on ascriptive criteria such as age, birth, sex, and so on in such a system. Considerations of functional suitability or ideological notions of equality of opportunity have no bearing on how individuals are assigned to various positions. In reality, however, no system is completely closed. Even in the most rigid stratification systems, there is some degree of mobility. In India, the traditional caste system is an example of a closed system.

Difference between Closed and Open Systems of Mobility

In an Open Mobility system, an individual's position or status is determined by merit and achievement, whereas in a Closed Mobility system, status is determined by heredity.

The open mobility system is found in societies with a relatively open and flexible stratification system, whereas the closed mobility system is found in societies with rigid hierarchical structures. Individuals in societies with a Closed Mobility System are unable to change their position, whereas individuals in societies with an Open Mobility System are able to do so. A person's status is more or less fixed in societies where mobility is restricted. However, in open-mobility societies, this is not the case. Caste-based societies are an example of Closed Mobility, in which a person born into a particular caste is unable to change his caste status and remains in it until death, whereas Class-based societies are an example of Open Mobility, in which people can change their class status through hard work.

Factors Affecting Mobility  Education:

Education not only imparts knowledge but also allows a person to obtain employment, gain prestige, and so on. A person must have the necessary degrees to obtain any position. His or her position will rise in direct proportion to his or her qualifications. It takes a lot of knowledge to become an IAS officer, a doctor, or an engineer, for example. As a result, education paves the way for a prosperous career. Only through education can one obtain a good position, so we can say that education facilitates mobility. In order to hold higher positions, an individual must obtain a minimum level of formal education. If a person comes from a poor family and has higher education and a successful academic career, he or she can become wealthy. As a result, one of the most important requirements for achieving a higher position is education.

Skills and Training:

Every society places a premium on skill development and providing training to the youth so that they can become self-sufficient. Despite the fact that acquiring skill and training takes a significant amount of time and money, people do so because society provides incentives. They are entitled to higher positions when they complete their training, which are far better than the positions they would have taken if they had not received such training. In society, a person who gains the necessary skills through training is given a higher social status. He/she is rewarded with more money and other benefits. As a result, people undergo training and skill development in the hopes of achieving a better position and better incentives, as well as moving up the social ladder. In other words, skills and training help people advance in their careers, which leads to social mobility.

Achievements and Failures:

Achievement usually refers to a unique and extraordinary performance that draws the attention of a larger audience to a person's abilities. Only significant, outstanding, or noteworthy accomplishments, however, change a person's status. As a result, not all accomplishments lead to social mobility. Only exceptional accomplishments help people move up the social ladder. An unknown writer who wins a literary prize or an unknown singer who wins a prestigious award, for example, will elevate his status. Failures or illegal activities, just as achievements lead to upward mobility, lead to downward mobility. A person's position in society and all the privileges that come with it would be taken away if he or she failed, misbehaved, or was caught engaging in illegal behaviour. A member of the upper classes who files a fraudulent bankruptcy will be removed from blue books; he will no longer receive dinner invitations from his peers, and he will be ineligible as a marriage partner. His wife may divorce him if he is already married. He will be forced to resign from his club and all of his positions. He will not, however, fall into the lowest stratum, despite the fact that forming new associations will be difficult.

 Migration:

Social mobility is also aided by migration. It's possible that a location lacks the necessary amenities to improve people's socioeconomic status. It may be unable to provide opportunities and avenues for one's status to improve. As a result, people are forced to migrate to other places with different opportunities and possibilities in order to find work and improve their living conditions. They take advantage of the opportunities in their new environment and improve their social standing. People from the Scheduled Castes of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, for example, who migrate to the states of Punjab and Haryana to work as farm labourers, can be used as an example. They return to their villages and purchase land after acquiring or accumulating money. They cultivate their own land and become landowners. As a result of their traditional work as scavengers or Chamars, they gain status and become cultivators. Asians migrating to various European countries and the United States of America face a similar situation. People from Assam are also migrating to cities such as Bangalore, Delhi, and other cities in search of work and a better life. As a result, there are several pull factors that attract people to certain places because they do not have the necessary facilities at their current residence, and the new place attracts them by providing these facilities, so that they can occupy better positions after learning new skills and knowledge. Because cities and urban centres offer numerous opportunities for higher education and employment, they attract a large number of people from rural areas. People migrate from villages to cities in order to improve their social status through education, training, and skills. They aspire to be more powerful than their parents and brothers, who still live in villages. As a result, both push and pull factors contribute to migration, which in turn facilitates social mobility.

 Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new social order in which people were classified according to their abilities and training. With the arrival of the industrial revolution, discrimination based on caste, race, religion, and ethnicity began to fade.

Furthermore, as a result of industrialization, machine-made production increased in output while decreasing in price, resulting in mass production at a lower cost. As a result, the artisans were forced to abandon their manual labour and relocate to an industrial town in search of work and a better life. They learned new skills and received the training they needed to work in industries, and they were hired. They improved their position over time as a result of their experience and training, and thus moved up the social ladder. In contrast to traditional societies such as India, where status is ascribed based on birth, industrial societies have an open system of mobility and status is earned. As a result, industrialization allows for greater social mobility.

 Urbanization: Social mobility is also aided by urbanisation. As previously stated, urban centres are hubs of educational institutions, industries, and so on. They provide the necessary facilities for people to improve their socioeconomic status, giving them the opportunity to advance up the social ladder. Regardless of caste, an individual who has higher education, income, and is employed in a higher-status occupation has a high social status. As a result, urbanisation facilitates social mobility by removing the factors that impede it. Furthermore, because cities have such a large population, they are marked by formal relationships. People do n...