Final answer:
One key determinant of social standing is the social standing of our parents. Another factor that can contribute to upward social mobility is education. Hard work and talent are often emphasized as the keys to upward social mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
One key determinant of social standing is the social standing of our parents. Parents tend to pass their social position on to their children. People inherit not only social standing but also the cultural norms that accompany a certain lifestyle. They share these with a network of friends and family members. Social standing becomes a comfort zone, a familiar lifestyle, and an identity. This is one of the reasons first-generation college students do not fare as well as other students.
Another factor that can contribute to upward social mobility is education. People who earn a college degree have access to higher-paying jobs and opportunities for career advancement, which can lead to increased social mobility. However, it is important to note that education is not the only determining factor, as there are other social and economic factors at play.
Hard work and talent are often emphasized as the keys to upward social mobility. In the United States, there is a belief in equality and the idea that individuals can control their own social standing through their choices, motivation, and effort. While hard work and talent are important, it is also important to recognize that systemic factors such as inherited wealth, institutional barriers, and societal values can impact social mobility.