What does social reproduction refer to?

Social reproduction refers to the ways in which social inequality is perpetuated across generations. It describes how various forms of capital—such as economic, social, and cultural capital—are transmitted from parents to their children, thereby maintaining the socio-economic status of families over time. This concept highlights the mechanisms by which disparities in education, wealth, and access to resources are maintained, often leading to a predictable pattern where children from lower socio-economic backgrounds tend to remain in similar social positions as their parents.

The focus on inequality emphasizes that social structures and institutions can create and sustain barriers to upward mobility, leading to a cycle where disadvantaged groups face continual challenges in breaking free from the limitations imposed by the circumstances of their birth. Thus, social reproduction captures the continuity of social hierarchies and power dynamics that shape individual life chances within society.