What is meant by "social mobility"?

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to change their social position within a society's hierarchy. This movement can involve ascending to a higher social status, known as upward mobility, or descending to a lower status, referred to as downward mobility. Factors influencing social mobility include education, occupation, income, and social connections, which can either facilitate or hinder an individual's movement within the social structure.

Understanding social mobility is essential because it reflects the degree of equality or inequality in a society. It provides insights into how accessible opportunities are for various social groups and can highlight structural factors that affect one's chances of achieving a better quality of life.

The other options do not encapsulate the full essence of social mobility. While changing jobs may be a part of one's career progression, it does not necessarily indicate a movement within the social hierarchy. Similarly, gaining social recognition or relocating does not inherently relate to an individual's social position or movement within the hierarchy itself.