O
Members of higher social classes have resources that give them more opportunities than those with fewer resources. Members of higher social classes also have the ability to manipulate situations so that they and their families do not lose their advantage.
Factors such as these may help members of higher social classes avoid downward social mobility.23 Applying material from Item O, analyse two factors that may help members of higher social classes avoid downward social mobility.
AQA
A Level
2024
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Introduction
Start by defining downward social mobility and its significance. Briefly outline the key arguments of Item O, highlighting the role of resources and manipulation in preventing downward social mobility. Introduce the two factors you will analyse: **cultural capital** and **social networks**.
Factor 1: Cultural Capital
Define cultural capital, drawing on Bourdieu's theory. Explain how cultural capital can be acquired and transmitted, and how it helps individuals in higher social classes succeed in education and employment. Use evidence from relevant sources like Bradley or Savage et al. to support your argument.
Explain how cultural capital can insulate individuals from downward social mobility. For example, higher cultural capital can lead to better job prospects, higher earning potential, and access to elite networks that can protect from economic downturns. Consider how cultural capital can be passed down through generations, reinforcing social class differences.
Include a critical analysis of the role of cultural capital. Acknowledge that cultural capital can be acquired through hard work and effort, and that social mobility is not always predetermined. However, also highlight the potential for cultural capital to perpetuate inequalities.
Factor 2: Social Networks
Define social networks and their significance in shaping social mobility. Explain how individuals in higher social classes are more likely to have access to strong social networks, which can provide valuable resources, connections, and support. Draw on examples from sources like Jones or McKnight to demonstrate how these networks operate.
Explain how social networks can help members of higher social classes avoid downward social mobility. For example, these networks can provide access to exclusive job markets, support during economic hardship, and advantageous financial assets. Consider how networks can transmit information about opportunities and risks, helping families navigate potential social mobility challenges.
Include a critical analysis of the role of social networks. Recognize that social mobility is not solely determined by network connections, and that individuals can succeed through hard work and merit. However, also acknowledge the potential for social networks to exacerbate existing inequalities and limit opportunities for those outside these circles.
Conclusion
Summarize your analysis of the two factors, cultural capital and social networks, in contributing to the avoidance of downward social mobility for members of higher social classes. Reaffirm the significance of these factors in perpetuating existing social hierarchies and highlight the complex interplay between individual effort and structural factors in shaping social mobility.
Conclude by suggesting potential strategies for promoting social mobility and reducing the influence of cultural capital and social networks as barriers to upward mobility.
Analysing Factors Contributing to the Avoidance of Downward Social Mobility by Higher Social Classes
Social mobility, the movement of individuals or groups between different social strata, remains a significant area of sociological inquiry. While upward mobility is often celebrated, downward mobility poses a threat to individuals' social standing and life chances. Item O highlights how higher social classes possess resources and influence that can act as buffers against downward mobility. This essay will analyse two such factors, drawing upon sociological perspectives and empirical evidence: economic capital and social networks.
Economic Capital: A Buffer Against Downward Mobility
Pierre Bourdieu's concept of economic capital is crucial for understanding how higher social classes maintain their advantageous position. Economic capital refers to financial assets such as income, wealth, and property. These resources provide a safety net against economic shocks that could lead to downward mobility. For instance, members of higher social classes are more likely to have savings to fall back on during periods of unemployment or financial instability (Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission, 2014). Furthermore, they often possess assets like property that can be liquidated to generate income or secure loans, mitigating the risks of economic hardship.
Beyond providing a financial cushion, economic capital also facilitates access to opportunities that enhance one's position in the social hierarchy. The Sutton Trust has extensively documented the role of wealth in securing elite education for children from affluent backgrounds. Private schools, with their superior resources and networks, often act as pipelines to prestigious universities and subsequent high-paying careers (Sutton Trust, 2019). This illustrates how economic capital can be strategically deployed to reproduce social advantage across generations, effectively preventing downward mobility.
Social Networks: The Strength of Connections
Beyond economic resources, social networks play a pivotal role in perpetuating social inequalities and shielding higher social classes from downward mobility. Social capital, a term popularised by Robert Putnam, refers to the benefits derived from social relationships and networks. Individuals from higher social classes often belong to exclusive social circles comprising influential individuals in various fields (Bourdieu, 1984). These networks provide access to valuable information, opportunities, and even influence, which can be leveraged to navigate challenges and maintain their privileged status.
For example, Granovetter's (1973) research on "the strength of weak ties" highlights how even seemingly distant connections within one's network can provide crucial information about job openings or other opportunities that might not be publicly available. These networks, often forged through shared educational experiences or elite social clubs, act as gatekeepers to certain sectors of society, effectively limiting access for those outside these privileged circles (Bradley, 1995). This exclusionary dynamic further reinforces the barriers to upward mobility for lower social classes while simultaneously protecting the positions of those at the top.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ability of higher social classes to resist downward mobility is significantly influenced by their access to economic capital and the strength of their social networks. These factors act in tandem, providing a safety net against economic hardship and granting privileged access to opportunities that consolidate their social standing. While social mobility remains a complex and multifaceted issue, acknowledging the enduring influence of these factors is crucial for understanding the persistent nature of social inequality in contemporary society.