If you’re looking to improve your socioeconomic status, did you know that access to quality education is one of the most effective ways to do so? No matter your field or professional goals, advancing your education can be a great way to expand your employment opportunities, build a valuable skill set, and improve your own social mobility.
What is social mobility, anyway? With a better understanding of what social mobility entails and the factors that can influence it (including education), you may be in a better position to plan for your own future.
Understanding Social Mobility
According to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), “social mobility refers to how a person’s socioeconomic situation improves or declines relative to that of their parents or throughout their lifetime.”
There are many ways in which social mobility can be measured, including income, level of education, and occupation. It is also important to note that social mobility is not always upwards. In some cases, individuals may move down the socioeconomic ladder at different points in their lives. In this sense, social mobility can fluctuate greatly based on many factors.
Social mobility can also be intra- or intra-generational. Intra-generational social mobility, for instance, is measured by comparing one individual’s social status that of their parents and other generations before them. Intra-generational social mobility, on the other hand, is not measured across generations but instead focuses on an individual’s changing socioeconomic status over the course of their lifetime.
Factors That Influence Social Mobility
As you can probably imagine, there are many factors that can impact a person’s social mobility. Some of the most notable influencing factors include a person’s economic background, their access to education, employment opportunities, and available social programs.
Economic Background and Family Income
One of the main determinants of a person’s social mobility over the course of their lifetime is their family’s income and economic background. In general, individuals from a lower socioeconomic status may have a harder time achieving upward social mobility because they may have less access to quality education and other resources needed to succeed. On the other hand, those born into families with a strong economic background may be more likely to achieve upward social mobility.
Access to Quality Education
Perhaps one of the biggest determinants of social mobility throughout a person’s life, however, is their access to quality education. Starting at a young age, the right education can set individuals up for long-term success by teaching foundational skills like reading, writing, and communication.
Over time, a quality education can equip individuals with the skills they need to land better jobs while potentially providing valuable networking opportunities as well. Unfortunately, not everybody has the same access to quality education, and disparities here can have a major impact on social mobility in the short- and long-term.
Employment Opportunities and Labor Market Conditions
In addition to family background and educational access, labor market conditions and employment opportunities can also have an impact on an individual’s social mobility. When labor market conditions are favorable, there may be more decent-paying jobs available at any given time. This could increase the chances of individuals landing well-paying jobs in their fields, which can improve social mobility.
Of course, because labor market conditions can fluctuate significantly over time, market changes could impact an individual’s social mobility. For instance, a sudden setback in the labor market could result in mass layoffs, which could lower the social mobility of many hard-working individuals with little notice.
Government Policies and Social Programs
There are all kinds of policies and social programs in place that can also have an impact on social mobility, both good and bad. Early childhood education programs, for example, can provide families with preschool and pre-K educational opportunities for families that otherwise may not be able to afford this level of education. This can better prepare children to succeed in their educational endeavors while setting them up for upward mobility in life.
Meanwhile, food assistance programs (such as food stamps) can assist in ensuring that individuals have access to the basic nutrients needed to alleviate food security and free up spending for other essential resources or services.
How a University Degree Can Improve Social Mobility
Whether you already have an undergraduate degree under your belt or are thinking about pursuing a college degree for the first time, there are a few things to consider when it comes to a college education and your potential for social mobility.
Universities as Engines of Social Mobility
In many ways, college degrees can empower individuals to achieve upward social mobility. Consider the simple fact that individuals with a bachelor’s degree have earnings that are, on average, 59 percent higher than those with a high school diploma alone (according to the National Center for Education Statistics). In addition to having the potential to earn more income, those with a college education may also be able to build more marketable and versatile skills that can open up a wide range of job opportunities they may otherwise not have been able to pursue.
Finally, being in a college-level degree program can also provide some unique networking opportunities. Students can build a strong professional network not just with their peers, but with professors and other industry experts. In some cases, these connections can lead to new career opportunities that may improve a person’s social mobility. Many colleges and universities also offer support in the form of career services and similar resources, which can provide valuable interview practice, resume editing, and other services to help students and graduates find work in their field.
Ready to Advance Your Education?
As you can see, education is one of several factors that can contribute to improved social mobility. In many ways, colleges and universities can serve as engines of social mobility by helping students build critical skills while offering unique networking opportunities. If you’re ready to advance your career and build a better future for yourself, it may be time to explore a degree program through Unity Environmental University.
In addition to bachelor’s degrees, we also offer a number of graduate degrees in a wide range of subjects and disciplines, including Animal Science, Business Administration, Data Analytics, and more. Our degree programs also have an environmental focus, so you can prepare for a career where you’ll make a difference in protecting the planet.
Learn more about our Distance Education programs to suit your busy schedule, or take the next step by completing your online application today.
