Absolute Mobility

Absolute Mobility refers to the extent to which individuals or groups experience upward or downward movement in their socioeconomic status compared to their parents. It measures improvements or declines in income, education, or occupation across generations, without considering the relative position of others in society. Absolute mobility is a key concept in sociology for analyzing social progress, economic growth, and the effectiveness of public policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. High absolute mobility indicates a general rise in living standards, while low mobility suggests stagnation or decline. By examining absolute mobility, sociologists assess societal opportunities and barriers that shape individual success and overall social change.