What is intragenerational mobility?

Intragenerational mobility refers specifically to the changes in an individual's social status within their own lifetime. This concept involves the movement up or down a social class due to factors such as education, employment opportunities, economic conditions, and personal circumstances. It highlights how a person's social class can change, reflecting their accomplishments, setbacks, or shifts in the social or economic landscape during their years.

Understanding intragenerational mobility is crucial for analyzing social dynamics and assessing the potential for upward or downward movement within society. It differs from intergenerational mobility, which looks at changes in social status that occur between different generations, typically evaluating the class position of parents compared to that of their children.