Final answer:
It is true that a person can experience downward mobility by losing a job or dropping out of school, which can lower their social class due to decreased income or status.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, a person can experience downward mobility by losing a job or dropping out of school. Downward mobility indicates a lowering of one's social class and may occur due to several factors, such as business setbacks, unemployment, illness, or other life events that result in a loss of income or status. For instance, unemployment can lead to significant financial stress and require painful adjustments like selling personal assets, which can then directly affect one's socioeconomic position, potentially leading to downward mobility.
Significant life events can act as catalysts for social mobility, either upward or downward. Upward mobility, on the other hand, involves moving to a higher socioeconomic class and is often achieved through education, career advancement, or marrying into a higher social class. Many recognize upward mobility in the success stories of celebrities or individuals who overcome humble beginnings to achieve wealth and fame. Though less discussed, downward mobility is just as important in understanding the dynamics of social structure.