Social Mobility Flashcards
What is social mobility?
The ability to change your social class- the movement from one stratum to another.
What is Intra-generational mobility?
Social mobility of the same person within their lifetime.
What is Inter-generational mobility?
Social mobility between generations (ie if the person stays in the same social class as their parents).
What is Absolute mobility?
How much social mobility there is in the society as a whole.
What is Relative mobility?
How much social mobility different groups (e.g gender ethnicity) have relative to each other.
What are open and closed systems of stratification?
Societies which allow for achieved status are called open systems of stratification, whereas societies where social position is ascribed are called closed systems of stratification.
(Ascribed- given to you upon birth and Achieved- status you have attained through hard work).
What do Functionalists think about social mobility?
There is potential for social mobility as society is meritocratic. Although, some groups do not move up/down the social ladder because it is functional for society and lower class jobs are required. Davis and Moore: education provides social mobility, in that if you attain high grades you are able to accept a well-paid job, a reward for your hard work.
What do New Right sociologists think about social mobility?
Society is meritocratic therefore there is potential for social mobility. If one does not move up in the social ladder it is their own fault, as working classes often do not value hard work.
Murray: lower classes rely on welfare, rather than working hard.
What do Marxists think about social mobility?
Capitalist society prevents social mobility- the Proleteriat are exploited by the Bourgeoisie and prevented from gaining status.
Marx: working classes make up the Reserve Army of Labour. Needed during economic downturns/recession.
Barron and Norris: dual labour market, consisting of women, wc, and ethnic minorities, prevented from social mobility.
What do Feminists think about social mobility?
Women do not have social mobility in the same way as men due to patriarchal society.
Oakley: mother-housewife role for women prevents them from entering high paid jobs. Liberal feminist.
What do Race theorists think about social mobility?
Ethnic minorities do not experience social mobility due to racism in the workplace and education system.
Gillborn: black males perceived as badly behaved and aggressive, therefore teachers are more likely to exclude them- 4-6x more likely to be excluded.
What does Weber think about social mobility?
If one owns property than they are at an advantage in terms of social mobility. However, the skills of an individual also increases ones chances for social mobility e.g if a skill is in demand then they are more likely to get a job e.g Plumber.
Weber: if one has skills which are in demand in society, they are able to escalate their social class.
What do Weberian theorists think about social mobility?
Barron and Norris: The views of the employer impact social mobility. Dual labour market, consisting of women, wc, and ethnic minorities, prevented from social mobility.
