Social mobility mean any transition of an individual from one position to another in a constellation of social group and strata (Sorokin). Social mobility is the movement of a person from one social group to another social group (Headrick). Social mobility means movement from one social class to another involving the consolidating of the various elements of the new social position, including occupation, income, type of house, neighbourhood, new friends, and new organisational membership (Havighurst and Neugarten) . Types of Social Mobility Horizontal Social Mobility-position of the person changes, but its salary, prestige, grade and other privileges remain the same. Vertical Social Mobility-means achieving lower to higher , higher to lower social status and prestige Horizontal Social Mobility Occupational Mobility Interreligious Mobility Inter-group Mobility Family Mobility Territorial Mobility Party Mobility International Mobility Vertical Social Mobility Ascending Social Mobility Descending Social Mobility Generally ascending and descending social mobility is seen in economic, political and occupational field. Factors Influencing Social Mobility Administrative set up ( democratic set up) Aspirational level Demographic structure ( migration of people) Industrial automation ( unemployment as well as creation of more job opportunities) Development of education Economic success Occupational improvement Structure of society-( open/ closed) Merits of Social Mobility Wholesome development of individual Development of social efficiency and social progress Remedy of maladjustment Higher position of deserving persons Progress of society towards stability Promotion of national solidarity Development of welfare and happiness Demerits of Social Mobility Constant discontent of individual with social order Disorder in rural and urban societies Development of pride and snobbery in individuals Education and Social Mobility Social Mobility of Students Amount of Education Educational Curriculum ( Arts/ Science) Academic Achievement ( higher achievement, research work ,etc.) Importance of educational institution Social Mobility of Teachers ( professional development)