Question

Would it be easy or difficult for a commoner in pre-Enlightenment Europe to improve his family's social status?

(a) Easy, as social mobility was relatively high in pre-Enlightenment Europe.

(b) Difficult, as social status was largely determined by birth and wealth.

(c) Difficult, but not impossible, as there were a few avenues for upward mobility.

(d) Impossible, as social status was rigidly fixed in pre-Enlightenment Europe.

Answer 1

Social mobility in pre-Enlightenment Europe was difficult, but not impossible, as there were a few avenues for upward mobility.

Step-by-step explanation:

Social mobility in pre-Enlightenment Europe was difficult, but not impossible. While social status was largely determined by birth and wealth, there were a few avenues for upward mobility. Families could improve their social status through hard work, good luck, and study. It was also possible for gentry families to sink back into the working class if their sons refused to work or study. Therefore, option (c) Difficult, but not impossible, as there were a few avenues for upward mobility, is the correct answer.