Social mobility is the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down in the social hierarchy or class system. It means changing one’s social status, often through better education, improved job opportunities, or gaining wealth. In a society, some people start in lower positions but may improve their situation through hard work, education, or government policies, like reservations for backward classes in India. This gives people from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to access better jobs, education, and political roles. Social mobility allows individuals or entire groups to improve their living conditions and move to higher social ranks over time. For example, in India, policies like reservation have helped certain castes and tribes, historically disadvantaged, to rise in social status by getting better jobs and education. Social mobility is important because it offers everyone the chance to improve their situation and succeed in life.
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