Give a detailed explanation of the concept social mobility
Discuss the differences between vertical and horizontal mobility
Discuss the consequences of social mobility
2. Learning Outcomes
• Give a detailed explanation of the
concept social mobility
• Discuss the differences between
vertical and horizontal mobility
• Discuss the consequences of social
mobility
3. The concept social mobility
• The movement of an individual from
one social status or class to another
4. Social mobility
Open Class System
• - A few obstacles in
moving from one status
to another
• - Equal opportunities
irrespective of birth,
gender, race, religion,
ethnicity, background
• - Equal opportunities to
alter social
position/social
stratification system
Closed Class System
• Characterized by
children inheriting their
social positions from
their parents
• Fixed/ascribed
• Positions are strongly
based on qualities such
as race, gender, social
background or ethnicity
• - No control over these
qualities
7. Vertical and Horizontal
Mobility
• Vertical Mobility
• Refers to the upward or downward
movement on the status ladder
• Example: being promoted, marrying a
wealthy person
• Two factors that give rise to upward
mobility:
• 1) a highly industrialized society
• 2) highly trained individuals
8. Vertical and Horizontal
Mobility
• Vertical Mobility
• Downward movement refers to the loss
of a job or when people do the same job
for less in salary wages, lack of
education, early marriage or large
families
10. Consequences of social
mobility
• Although most people rate upward
mobility highly, it may have unpleasant
consequences.
• Adjustment to new status may cause
problems (uncertainty, responsibilities)
• Old friends may be exchanged due to
occupational statuses.
11. Consequences of social
mobility
• May cause family problems.
• Moving, travelling.
• May result in financial burdens.
• May also create false expectations.
• May lead to disappointments.
• Stress and psychological conditions.
• Higher incidences of suicide,
depression, psychosis.
12. Reference
• Du Toit, D. & le Roux, E. (2014). Nursing
sociology. 5th
ed. Pretoria: Van Schaik.