vertical mobility


noun Sociology.

movement from one social level to a higher one (upward mobility) or a lower one (downward mobility), as by changing jobs or marrying.
cultural diffusion from one social level to another, as the adoption by one economic class of the fashions current or formerly current in a higher class.

British Dictionary definitions for vertical mobility

vertical mobility

noun

sociol the movement of individuals or groups to positions in society that involve a change in class, status, and power Compare horizontal mobility See also upward mobility, downward mobility