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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Mobility?

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The difference between horizontal and vertical mobility lies in the change in social position within a society or organization.

  • Horizontal Mobility: This refers to movement from one position to another within the same social level or status category. It is characterized by changing positions or occupations without changing the position in the social hierarchy. For example, a teacher switching to work as a project manager in the same industry does not change their social status despite the change in occupation.
  • Vertical Mobility: This refers to movement of individuals or groups up or down from one socioeconomic level to another, often by changing jobs or through marriage. It involves a change in social status, either upward or downward, due to changes in social factors like education or career. For instance, a high school teacher who pursues further education and becomes a university professor has experienced upward vertical mobility.

In summary, horizontal mobility involves changing positions or occupations within the same social level, while vertical mobility involves changing social levels or status categories.

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  • What is the Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Mobility?
  • Comparative Table: Horizontal vs Vertical Mobility

    • Comparative Table: Horizontal vs Vertical Mobility

    Here is a table comparing horizontal and vertical mobility:

    Feature Horizontal Mobility Vertical Mobility
    Definition Change in the position of an individual within the same social class or without changing the level of power or status. Change in the position of an individual that leads to a change in their social status, either up or down.
    Social Status Social status remains unchanged. Social status changes, either upward or downward.
    Examples Changing professions without altering social status (e.g., a doctor switching from healthcare to teaching in a medical school). Improving or degrading socio-economic status in society due to changes in social factors like education or career.
    Factors Factors include work, wealth, success, education, ethnicity, and marital status. Factors include changes in education, career, and social factors that lead to an upward or downward shift in social status.

    In summary, horizontal mobility refers to a change in an individual's position within the same social class or without changing their social status, while vertical mobility refers to a change in an individual's social status, either upward or downward, due to changes in social factors like education or career.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.