Final answer:
Social mobility in the U.S. refers to the potential for individuals to move upward or downward within the socioeconomic hierarchy. Upward mobility is achieved through means such as education, while downward mobility can result from setbacks like unemployment. However, structural changes in society can drive widespread shifts in mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social mobility in the U.S. can go either upward or downward, affecting individuals' socioeconomic status. Upward mobility is an upward shift in social class, which can be achieved through education, job promotion, or marriage, among other factors. Contrarily, downward mobility occurs when there is a lowering of one's social class due to various reasons such as business setbacks, unemployment, illness, or divorce. Structural mobility is related to broader societal changes that can lead groups of people to move up or down the social ladder, like the industrialization boom causing upward mobility or job outsourcing contributing to downward mobility.
While the idea of mobility is central to the 'American Dream,' suggesting that hard work and talent primarily determine one's social class, the reality is more complex and such shifts are not as common as many believe. In the United States, societal values often emphasize equality and the potential for success regardless of background, yet economic inequality persists, and true mobility is challenging for many.