What is the definition of vertical mobility?

Vertical mobility is defined as the movement to a different social position of a different rank, which involves either an upward or downward shift within the social hierarchy. This type of mobility can occur when an individual attains a higher status, such as through a promotion in their job, or when they experience a decline in status, such as through job loss or demotion.

This concept highlights the changes in an individual's social status and illustrates how societal structures can allow or restrict movement between different social classes. Vertical mobility is contrasted with horizontal mobility, which involves changing roles or jobs within the same social class, and staying in a fixed social position implies a lack of mobility altogether. Changing occupations without social change would not result in a movement in social rank, thus reinforcing the importance of the rank component in the definition of vertical mobility.