Key Difference – Horizontal vs Vertical Mobility
In a society, people can change their social position through various means, a concept known as social mobility. This mobility is categorized into two types: horizontal and vertical. The key difference between these lies in the social hierarchy. Horizontal mobility refers to a change in an individual’s position, such as occupation, without altering their position in the social hierarchy. In contrast, vertical mobility involves a change in the individual’s position that also leads to a change in their position within the social hierarchy.
Key Takeaways
- Horizontal mobility refers to a change in an individual’s position without altering their position in the social hierarchy
- Vertical mobility involves a change in an individual’s position that also leads to a change in their position within the social hierarchy
- Horizontal mobility maintains the same social position, while vertical mobility can be either upward or downward from the current social position
What is Horizontal Mobility?
Horizontal mobility occurs when an individual changes their position, such as occupation, without changing their position in the social hierarchy. For example, a teacher who decides to leave their job at a school and become a project coordinator in a non-governmental organization experiences horizontal mobility, as their social status remains unchanged.
What is Vertical Mobility?
Vertical mobility occurs when an individual changes their position in a way that also leads to a change in their position within the social hierarchy. For example, a person who starts as a customer assistant in a shop, works hard, saves money, and eventually becomes a successful business owner experiences vertical mobility, as their position in the social hierarchy has changed. Vertical mobility can occur through occupation, education, wealth, marriage, or even ethnicity, and can be either upward or downward.
What is the difference between Horizontal and Vertical Mobility?
- Horizontal Mobility: A change in the social hierarchy does not take place
- Vertical Mobility: A change in the social hierarchy takes place
- Horizontal Mobility: The mobility remains within the same social position
- Vertical Mobility: The mobility is either upward or downward from the present social position
