Final answer:
Social mobility allows individuals to move within the social hierarchy, which can be upward, downward, or horizontal. Gender issues affect social mobility, with systemic biases often impacting women's advancement. The process of changing one's social class can bring about personal and relational pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to move within the social hierarchy, which includes upward, downward, or horizontal mobility. Upward mobility is an increase in social class, such as earning a college degree or getting a job promotion. Downward mobility, conversely, involves a drop in social status due to reasons like unemployment or illness. Horizontal mobility occurs when a person changes their social status but remains in the same class.
Research on social mobility also tackles gender issues, emphasizing how women and men may experience mobility differently due to systemic biases and societal norms. Gender discrimination can impede women's social and economic advancement, affecting their ability to achieve upward mobility. Additionally, social mobility can bring pain because it entails numerous life changes and can affect personal relationships and an individual's sense of identity.