Final answer:
Social mobility is a defining feature of an open class system where movement within the social hierarchy is based on achievement and merit. It includes forms like intergenerational and intragenerational mobility and is associated with the idea of meritocracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social mobility is indeed a crucial feature of an open class system. An open system in sociological terms is one where individuals can move up or down the social hierarchy based on their achievements, talents, and efforts rather than their birth status.
A closed system like slavery or caste, by contrast, does not allow for such movement between social strata. In the context of social stratification, social mobility represents the ability of individuals or groups to change their position within the social hierarchy. Various forms of social mobility, such as intergenerational mobility and intragenerational mobility, contribute to the dynamism of an open class system. The former refers to changes between different generations within a family, while the latter refers to the changes that occur within a person's lifetime.
Furthermore, the concept of meritocracy is closely linked with social mobility in an open system, suggesting that personal merits are a key determinant of social standing. In open societies like the United States, social mobility is significant as it reflects the cultural value of achieving success through merit and is essential for a fair and dynamic society. However, it is vital to acknowledge that, despite the ideal of an open class system, various factors like economic inequality can still hinder social mobility.