What does intergenerational mobility refer to?

Intergenerational mobility refers specifically to the movement through class systems by family members across generations. This concept considers how the socioeconomic status of individuals compares to that of their parents or earlier family members. For instance, if a child grows up in a low-income family but later achieves a higher income level, this represents upward intergenerational mobility. Conversely, if children experience downward mobility, it means that they may end up in a lower socioeconomic class than their parents.

This concept is crucial in understanding societal structures and how opportunities can shift over time, shaped by various factors including economic, social, and educational dynamics. Unlike individual mobility—where we might assess one person's rise or decline in social class—intergenerational mobility looks at how these patterns affect families over time, emphasizing broader societal trends rather than just personal achievements.