Question

Clearly explain horizontal social mobility, vertical social mobility, and structural mobility. Provide one clear example of each type of mobility.

Answer 1

Horizontal mobility refers to the movement of occupational position or role of an individual or a group from one position on the social hierarchy to another without a change in social status. In other words, when someone changes their positions within the same level of social status and does not move up or down the social hierarchy. For example, a factory worker who finds a new job as a construction worker.

Vertical mobility refers to the movement of occupational position or role of an individual or a group from one level on the social hierarchy to another accompanied with a change in social status.In other words, when someone changes their positions of social status and moves up or down the social hierarchy. A farmer who takes the job of a government servant is an example of upward social mobility whereas a college Professor leaves his job and becomes a farmer is an example of downward social mobility.

Structural mobility refers to a kind of vertical mobility where mobility that is brought about by changes in stratification hierarchy itself. Structural mobility involves the vertical movement of a specific group, class or occupation relative to others in the stratification system. It is a kind of forced mobility as it takes effect because of the structural changes and not because of individual attempts. For example, the advent of machines in the steel factories replaced labors lead to the decline of an occupational group within the social hierarchy.