downward mobility

Downward mobility refers to a change in social class that involves moving down the social hierarchy. This is a type of vertical mobility, distinct from horizontal mobility (a change in occupation without a change in social class) and upward mobility (moving up the social hierarchy).1

Historically, downward mobility could occur through events like a revolution, where a landed aristocrat might lose their status and wealth. In modern societies, social mobility, including downward mobility, is often analyzed through career and generational changes in socioeconomic status. Factors such as industrialization, modernization, and the expansion of educational opportunities can influence these movements within the social structure. While upward mobility has been linked to international migration, downward mobility can result from economic shifts or societal changes that lead to a loss of status or resources.12