Social Upward Mobility Explain How the Economic

Social Upward Mobility

Explain how the economic system in the United States can be used both to allow upward social mobility and trap others in lower status levels.

America is known as the land of opportunity. This is because no matter where someone comes from, their racial group, nationality or economic class everyone has the chance to be successful. If they have a good idea and are willing to work at it, they will realize their long-term goals. Throughout the course of U.S. history, this has been the case. As innovators from across the world can start out with nothing and earn a fortune during the course of their lifetimes. (Cullen 2004) (Henslin 2013)

This is because the economic system enables upward mobility by encouraging the free flow of ideas through a culture of acceptance and understanding. At the same time, the movement of working capital and people from one region to the next occurs very easily. These different elements enable someone to move to locations where they will be more prosperous over the long-term and to make decisions to that will enhance their lives. (Cullen 2004) (Henslin 2013)

In some case, this can mean that they will want to own their home and have greater opportunities to go to college or escape persecution. That was often experienced in different regions or countries where they came from. While at other times, this will involve the person building their financial empire and having an abundance of wealth. (Cullen 2004) (Henslin 2013)

These variables are illustrating how the economic system of the U.S. encourages social mobility by giving someone the freedom to make their own choices. This enables them to make decisions that will help them to live the kind of life they envisioned. At the same time, it is providing them with the resources and support they need to achieve these objectives. These factors ensure that everyone has the flexibility to make decisions which are most important to them. In this aspect, the economic system is encouraging upward mobility by allowing a person the chance to make positive changes in their lives. The only thing that is required is the ambition to do more and the persistence to make it happen. (Cullen 2004) (Henslin 2013)

However, America's economic system can also trap someone into the lower rungs of society or keep them at a certain level. This is because the dream of receiving a college education or any kind of specialized training has become more expensive. These factors mean that many families and individuals cannot afford to receive the skills necessary to help them to be successful over the course of their lives. When this happens, there is a realistic possibility that they will stay at the same social status as their parents. (DeParle 2007) (Henslin 2013)

In a study conducted by the University of Warwick in Sweden, it determined that economic mobility is harder to achieve in the U.S. In contrast with Great Britain, Canada and Denmark. Evidence of this can be seen in the below table which compares the number of adults who remain in the bottom fifth of society. (DeParle 2007) (Henslin 2013)

Economic Mobility for the U.S., Great Britain, Canada and Denmark

Country

Number of Adults in the Same Economic Class

US

42%

Great Britain

30%

Canada

16%

Denmark

25%

These figures are illustrating how a lack upward social mobility exists in the U.S. versus other developed countries. (DeParle 2007) (Henslin 2013)

Moreover, a study that was conducted by Pew Charitable Trust reached similar conclusions. In it, they found that 62% of American males and females born into the top fifth income brackets will stay there. While 65%, of those who are from the bottom fifth group will remain at these levels. (DeParle 2007) (Henslin 2013)

These findings are significant, in showing how the U.S. economic system creates social immobility. This is taking place, through the higher costs of obtaining the skill sets necessary to move further in life. These factors will often frustrate someone who is trying to be successful. But is unable, to do so and will be forced to stay within their income -- social demographics. (DeParle 2007) (Henslin 2013)