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mobility

moh-BIL-ih-tee /məʊˈbɪl.ə.ti/

nounB2SATACTTOEFLIELTS

generalsociologicalacademic

The ability to move physically, or the ability of individuals or groups to move between different social and economic classes.

In sociology, 'social mobility' can be upward (promotions, wealth accumulation) or downward (bankruptcy, loss of status). It measures how open a society's class system is.

The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin verb 'movere' (to move), 'mobility' originally referred to physical movement. In the early 20th century, sociologists like Pitirim Sorokin adapted the term to describe 'social mobility'—the movement of individuals through the social space.

Word relationships

advancement: Advancement is strictly positive, upward progress, whereas mobility refers to the general capacity to move either up or down.
maneuverability: Maneuverability refers to physical agility and steering, while mobility is the broader capacity for movement or social transition.

stagnation: Stagnation is a state of no movement, growth, or change in position.
immobility: Immobility is the complete inability to move physically or change one's social class.

Commonly confused with

motility: Motility is a biological term for an organism's independent ability to move (like bacteria), while mobility is the general or social capacity for movement.

Word family

mobile (adjective): Able to move or be moved freely and easily.
mobilize (verb): To prepare and organize forces or resources for active service or action.

Collocations

social mobility
upward mobility
downward mobility
economic mobility

Example sentences

"High quality public education is often cited as the most effective engine of upward social mobility." Sociological study of the American Dream
"After months of physical therapy, the patient regained full mobility in his injured knee." Physical health context

Memory hook

Think of a 'mobile phone' that lets you talk on the go, combined with upward social climbing. Upward mobility is like upgrading your phone to the newest, most expensive model. Mobility = movement. Social mobility = moving up or down the class ladder.

When not to use

Do not use to describe simple movement from room to room unless referring to physical rehabilitation or accessibility.

Fun facts

The 'Great Gatsby Curve' is a famous economic chart showing that high economic inequality correlates with low social mobility across generations.