The document provides a detailed explanation of social mobility, distinguishing between vertical and horizontal mobility within open and closed class systems. It discusses the factors influencing upward and downward mobility, as well as the potential consequences, including social, financial, and psychological challenges associated with moving between social statuses. Key references include Du Toit and Le Roux's work on nursing sociology.

1. Social Mobility
Study Unit 8.2
By C. Settley

2. Learning Outcomes
• Give a detailed explanation of the
concept social mobility
• Discuss the differences between
vertical and horizontal mobility
• Discuss the consequences of social
mobility

3. The concept social mobility
• The movement of an individual from
one social status or class to another

4. Social mobility
Open Class System
• - A few obstacles in
moving from one status
to another
• - Equal opportunities
irrespective of birth,
gender, race, religion,
ethnicity, background
• - Equal opportunities to
alter social
position/social
stratification system
Closed Class System
• Characterized by
children inheriting their
social positions from
their parents
• Fixed/ascribed
• Positions are strongly
based on qualities such
as race, gender, social
background or ethnicity
• - No control over these
qualities

5. Open – and Closed Class
Systems

7. Vertical and Horizontal
Mobility
• Vertical Mobility
• Refers to the upward or downward
movement on the status ladder
• Example: being promoted, marrying a
wealthy person
• Two factors that give rise to upward
mobility:
• 1) a highly industrialized society
• 2) highly trained individuals

8. Vertical and Horizontal
Mobility
• Vertical Mobility
• Downward movement refers to the loss
of a job or when people do the same job
for less in salary wages, lack of
education, early marriage or large
families

9. • Vertical Mobility thus implies a change
of social status!!!

10. Consequences of social
mobility
• Although most people rate upward
mobility highly, it may have unpleasant
consequences.
• Adjustment to new status may cause
problems (uncertainty, responsibilities)
• Old friends may be exchanged due to
occupational statuses.

11. Consequences of social
mobility
• May cause family problems.
• Moving, travelling.
• May result in financial burdens.
• May also create false expectations.
• May lead to disappointments.
• Stress and psychological conditions.
• Higher incidences of suicide,
depression, psychosis.

12. Reference
• Du Toit, D. & le Roux, E. (2014). Nursing
sociology. 5th
ed. Pretoria: Van Schaik.