Understanding social mobility

Written by Lauren Goode, mfg Solicitors LLP

Social mobility is the ability of individuals or groups to move up society's hierarchical structure.

It reflects the opportunities available for individuals to improve their socio-economic status.

Changes may occur over several generations within a family or within an individual's lifetime.

Factors that affect social mobility

There are many factors that affect social mobility. Limited to a few:

• Income
• Education
• Family environment
• Race
• Disability
• Gender

Challenges to social mobility

Individuals and groups wishing to move up the ladder may find there are barriers in their way. They may not fit the traditional profile of the sector they are entering and may face bias due to this.

Whilst some individuals are able to break through the barriers and climb the ladder, they may still face challenges when they get there. Moving up the social ladder can bring difficulties such as adapting to new work environments and social circles, which leads to insecurities. In other words, the feeling of being an imposter.

It can also lead to financial instability where there is pressure to spend money on education or take out loans for business ventures in order to achieve success.

Changes in society and the impact

Improving social mobility often requires change.

Access to education is important to provide the building blocks of a successful career. Those from lower income backgrounds typically have limited access and opportunity when it comes to further education. Opportunities such as apprenticeships and alternative routes to qualification allow for those affected to mobilise.

Initiatives such as blank CVs which remove any indicators of an individual’s background, age or gender have helped remove unconscious bias during the initial stages of recruitment. This helps individuals to progress past those initial stages when their CV may have been rejected.

Access schemes are now in place at schools, universities and workplaces that promote diversity and afford opportunities to those from affected backgrounds.

Mentoring schemes, such as the Future Faces mentoring scheme, are more readily available. Often, those from affected backgrounds may not have the right type of support and guidance they need to navigate their careers. An experienced mentor can help guide those individuals to where they want to be.

Barriers to social mobility will always be present in society. However, if we want to be considered a fair society we need to provide opportunities to allow those affected a fair chance of success.