What does intergenerational mobility involve?

Intergenerational mobility specifically refers to the ability of individuals to move up or down the social class ladder relative to their parents' social class. This concept emphasizes the socio-economic status transitions that occur across generations within the same family. For example, if a child grows up in a lower-income household but eventually achieves a higher income level than their parents, this is considered upward intergenerational mobility. Conversely, if a child experiences a lower socio-economic status than their parents, that represents downward mobility.

By focusing on the transitions over generations, intergenerational mobility reflects broader social patterns, such as access to education, employment opportunities, and economic conditions, that influence how individuals achieve or lose status compared to their familial origins. This concept is pivotal for understanding equality of opportunity, the impact of social structures on individuals' life chances, and the persistence of social stratification.