What is the term for changes in social status that occur from one generation to the next?

The correct term for changes in social status that occur from one generation to the next is intergenerational mobility. This concept refers specifically to the variation in social status between different generations within a family. For example, if parents achieve a certain level of education and income, their children may surpass or fall below that level, demonstrating how status can differ from one generation to another.

In contrast, horizontal mobility refers to a change in position that does not involve a change in social status, typically occurring within the same social class. Vertical mobility involves upward or downward movement in social status within the hierarchy, but it does not specifically address the generational aspect. Circular mobility suggests movement back and forth within the same social strata but also does not capture the generational perspective as effectively as intergenerational mobility does. Hence, intergenerational mobility specifically highlights the shifts in social status across generations, making it the appropriate choice.