Social mobility: Does social Mobility Exist? Sociology 521 Colby Everett

Social Mobility As defined by our textbook: “the extent to which people move up or down in the class system, especially from one generation to the next.As defined by our textbook: “the extent to which people move up or down in the class system, especially from one generation to the next. In other words, do we inherit our place in the class system or is it merited placement?In other words, do we inherit our place in the class system or is it merited placement?

The individual According to the above data, its clear that occupational inheritance is high. Furthermore, sons are more likely to move up in occupational status as compared to their fathers.

The Individual Younger workers’ social mobility has declined from 45% to 37% from Younger workers’ social mobility has declined from 45% to 37% from Those who start at the upper end of the occupational spectrum, tend to stay there or gain wealth.Those who start at the upper end of the occupational spectrum, tend to stay there or gain wealth. Movement from lower to upper is statistically rare. Likewise, movement from upper to lower is rare.Movement from lower to upper is statistically rare. Likewise, movement from upper to lower is rare. As is, society has formed an unbeatable divergence.As is, society has formed an unbeatable divergence.

Society In feudalism, society is separated into two classes:In feudalism, society is separated into two classes: AristocracyAristocracy PeasantsPeasants Neither class is mobile, children will be born into their parents societal positionNeither class is mobile, children will be born into their parents societal position As society industrializes, the chance for upward mobility increases.

Society by country In a 2009 study, Wilkinson and Pickett analyzed social mobility in developing countries.In a 2009 study, Wilkinson and Pickett analyzed social mobility in developing countries. Between Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, UK, and USA, USA had HIGHEST inequality and LOWEST mobility.Between Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, UK, and USA, USA had HIGHEST inequality and LOWEST mobility. In the United States, social mobility is very difficult, given societal setup.In the United States, social mobility is very difficult, given societal setup. This is reliant on the individual who follows in the parent’s footsteps.This is reliant on the individual who follows in the parent’s footsteps.

Lacking Mobility Similarly, Paul Krugman found a “clear negative relationship” between income inequality as it relates to intergenerational mobility.Similarly, Paul Krugman found a “clear negative relationship” between income inequality as it relates to intergenerational mobility. Piketty, in 2014, supported these findings in his defining of “patrimonial capitalism” where you will most likely be rich if your father is rich.Piketty, in 2014, supported these findings in his defining of “patrimonial capitalism” where you will most likely be rich if your father is rich.

Does it Exist? Social mobility, has a place as a concept, but locating an example of upward mobility is difficult.Social mobility, has a place as a concept, but locating an example of upward mobility is difficult. The United States is far removed from upward social mobility.The United States is far removed from upward social mobility. -Capitalism gives some opportunity for upward mobility, but Picketty believes living off wealth and subsistence living will long separate upper and lower classes.

Conclusion Worldwide: social mobility exists, but is very very rare.Worldwide: social mobility exists, but is very very rare. Wilkinson and Pickett’s finding state the United States has highest inequality and lowest opportunity for mobility.Wilkinson and Pickett’s finding state the United States has highest inequality and lowest opportunity for mobility. Krugman’s findings state inequality and mobility cannot coexist.Krugman’s findings state inequality and mobility cannot coexist. Picketty solidified the above findings with his understanding of “patrimonial capitalism”.Picketty solidified the above findings with his understanding of “patrimonial capitalism”. Social mobility basically doesn’t exist in the United States.Social mobility basically doesn’t exist in the United States.

Questions Do you believe, based on observation, that social mobility exists in the United States?Do you believe, based on observation, that social mobility exists in the United States? Do you believe social mobility must be increased on the individual level or on the societal level? i.e., should we provide more individual opportunities or implement new public policies.Do you believe social mobility must be increased on the individual level or on the societal level? i.e., should we provide more individual opportunities or implement new public policies. Questions?Questions?

References Piketty, Thomas (2014). Capital in the 21st century. Belknap Press.Piketty, Thomas (2014). Capital in the 21st century. Belknap Press. Wilkinson, Richard and Kate Pickett (2009). The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger. Bloomsbury Press.Wilkinson, Richard and Kate Pickett (2009). The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger. Bloomsbury Press. The Great Gatsby Curve Paul Krugman| 15 January 2012The Great Gatsby Curve Paul Krugman| 15 January 2012 Gilbert, Dennis L. The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.Gilbert, Dennis L. The American Class Structure in an Age of Growing Inequality. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. Grusky, David B., and Szonja Szelényi. The Inequality Reader: Contemporary and Foundational Readings in Race, Class, and Gender. Boulder, CO: Westview, Print.Grusky, David B., and Szonja Szelényi. The Inequality Reader: Contemporary and Foundational Readings in Race, Class, and Gender. Boulder, CO: Westview, Print.