26 February 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

MAINS MODEL QUESTION: 26th FEBRUARY 2025

Q1) Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society’. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility. (15 marks, 250 words)

ANSWER

Social mobility is the movement of individuals or families through a society’s social hierarchy. It encompasses changes in socio-economic status, both in comparison to one’s parents (intergenerational) and throughout a person’s lifetime (intra-generational). 

Social mobility is often measured by factors like income, education, and health, but it also impacts overall wellbeing. High Social Mobility = Greater Equality of Opportunity A society with high social mobility is one where people have a greater chance of achieving success regardless of the socio-economic background of their

parents, their gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, birthplace, or any other factor outside of their control.

BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MOBILITY: 

1. Fairness and Justice: When everyone has a shot at success, regardless of background, it creates a more just and equitable society.
2. Economic Growth: Increased social mobility unlocks the potential of all citizens, leading to economic growth and development. Studies show it could boost the global economy by trillions of dollars.
3. Reduced Poverty and Inequality: By giving everyone a chance to climb the socioeconomic ladder, poverty and inequality naturally decrease.
4. Social Cohesion: When people from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to interact and collaborate, it fosters social cohesion and understanding.

BARRIERS OF INTERGENERATIONAL MOBILITY IN INDIAN SOCIETY

1. Caste System and Social Segregation: In India, caste system has led to marginalization of some communities like SCs and STs which limit their access to resources, land and most importantly the opportunity to move up the social ladder.
2. Income Inequality: The disparities and inequalities in income often prevents the opportunities in employment and skill development which restricts intergenerational mobility. For example, some children often start on a higher plank with respect to education and opportunities.
3. Lack of Quality Amenities: Unequal access to basic amenities of life like health, education, nutrition and access to resources prevent intergenerational mobility.
4. Regional Disparities: The disparities across regions have an impact on awareness levels and exposure to diverse opportunities. For example, people born in big cities like Mumbai often achieve mobility faster than ones living in rural areas or inaccessible areas.
5. Vicious Cycle of Poverty: Poverty is often intergenerational and inherited across generations acting as an obstacle to social mobility.
6. Gender Roles: For women, stereotypes and patriarchal frameworks prevent intergenerational mobility.

ROLE OF EDUCATION IN SOCIAL MOBILITY

1. Bridging Inequalities: Education is the enhancer of social mobility which can help break-free the confinements of socio-economic inequalities. For example, education of a child coming from a poor background can allow him to switch employment to sectors which are skill-based and more remunerative. This can ensure poverty alleviation followed by movement up the social ladder.
2. Employability: Education improves employability which indirectly improves social status.
3. Improves Understanding of Rights: Education improves an individual’s understanding of his rights and privileges helping him claim equality of status and opportunity which promotes social mobility. For example, education allowed Dr. Ambedkar to understand his human rights which led to alleviation of hundreds of people coming from the same social background.
4. Independence: Education provides independence of decisions and provides backups to support such decisions. This improves the risk-ability of individuals. For example, educated individuals often see that with education they can take risks to achieve something big. However, if they fail, education and skills will help them survive and thrive easily.
5. Gender Empowerment: Education empowers women about their rights and opportunities which help in bridging the gap created due to stereotypes and patriarchal societal norms. For example, women entering into diverse fields which were often seen as male-dominated.
6. Regional Disparities: Education is not bound by space or time. If  accessibility and quality of education can be provided to remote regions, it can lead to equality of opportunities.

Social mobility is a fundamental building block for a thriving society. When individuals from all backgrounds have the chance to succeed, it fosters fairness, fuels economic growth, reduces inequality, and strengthens social cohesion. By prioritizing policies that promote equal access to education, resources, and opportunities such mobility can be initiated.