Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of vertical mobility?

Vertical mobility refers to the movement between different social statuses, typically categorized as either upward or downward movement in the social hierarchy. Characteristics of vertical mobility emphasize that change in social status is integral to this concept.

When someone experiences vertical mobility, they either ascend to a higher rank within the social structure, implying improvement in their social or economic status, or they descend to a lower rank, indicating a decline in status.

Remaining in the same social class does not constitute vertical mobility because it represents a lack of change in status. Thus, it does not align with the inherent definition of vertical mobility, which requires a shift in one’s position relative to society's social stratification. The other options all reflect aspects of vertical mobility, either through change, elevation, or reduction of social rank, reinforcing that the movement itself is a critical component of this concept.