What does social selection imply regarding individual health and social mobility?

The concept of social selection refers to the interplay between an individual’s health status and their ability to move within social hierarchies. This suggests that a person’s health can significantly influence their opportunities for upward or downward mobility in society. Improved health can enhance an individual's ability to attain better educational and job opportunities, which can lead to an increase in social status. Conversely, poor health may limit an individual's employment prospects and hinder their social mobility.

Understanding social selection highlights the importance of health as a determinant of social outcomes, showing that maintaining good health can be a critical factor for achieving higher social standing and mobility. It emphasizes that individual health is not merely a reflection of one's social status but also an influential factor that can help shape one's place within the social structure.