Society is not a static system, it is constantly changing, it is in dynamics. Consequently, the structural elements of society, that is, people, are dynamically changing. Throughout life, a person plays various social roles, and in the process of development of society, both roles, statuses, and the people occupying them are replaced. This phenomenon is called "social mobility." This concept has been thoroughly investigated and described by the author of the term Pitirim Sorokin.
Key Points
The life of an individual is inextricably linked with the social space in which he lives. The theory of mobility describes the movement of a social subject within this space, which is something like the Universe. The position of the individual in the structure of society at the moment can be determined using some "reference points". These reference points imply the relationship of a person to social groups, the relationship of these groups with each other.
In other words, the social position of the subject is determined by his marital status, citizenship, nationality, religiosity, professional affiliation, etc. Thus, social mobility is any movement of an individual in the indicated social positions. This theory considers the movement of not only man on the social social system. Any object of social structure, values can move in social space.
Mobility options
Since mobility is a movement within the social space, there are various directions of these movements or coordinates. In this regard, the following types of mobility are distinguished: horizontal and vertical. Mobility in the horizontal plane is a transition between social positions within the boundaries of one social level. Example: change of religion.
Vertical mobility involves a change in social status; the social level of the subject is replaced by a higher or lower. Status improvement is an upward mobility (the transition of a military man to a higher rank); its deterioration is downward (expulsion from the university). Mobility in the vertical plane can be individual and group. In addition, mobility happens:
- intra-generational or intra-generational, that is, changes in social structure occur within a certain age level;
- intergenerational or intergenerational mobility - these are social changes in various age categories.
Mobility channels
In what ways and by what means, structures of the social system, is social mobility happening? Mobility channels are also called elevators. These include certain social institutions, namely the church, the army, the family, educational institutions, professional and political organizations, and, of course, the media. Thus, the theory of social mobility affects all sectors of society, all social structures. By regulating the deterioration or improvement of the social status of the subject, the system thereby stimulates the desired activities of groups and individuals.
