Social Mobility

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Think of a person you know (either yourself, someone you know, or even a famous person with, perhaps a “rags to riches” story) who has experienced significant upward or downward mobility over the past three or four generations.

For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:

Option 1: Briefly describe the person (and be sure to respect confidentiality of others and, as always, remember to be respectful of potentially sensitive information, and remember there is no guarantee of privacy). Describe the person’s significant upward or downward mobility over the past three or four generations. How do you think the person’s values and behavior might differ had the person experienced the opposite pattern of mobility?
Option 2: Briefly describe the person (and be sure to respect confidentiality of others and, as always, remember to be respectful of potentially sensitive information, and remember there is no guarantee of privacy). Describe the person’s significant upward or downward mobility over the past three or four generations. How might experiences have been different had the person’s family been of a different ethnic or racial origin?

 

Sample Solution

I am going to talk about my great-grandfather, who experienced significant upward mobility over the past three or four generations. My great-grandfather was born in a small village in China in the early 1900s. His family was very poor, and he had to work from a young age to help support them. He eventually moved to the United States in search of a better life.

When my great-grandfather arrived in the United States, he did not speak English and had no money. He worked as a laborer in a sweatshop for many years. However, he was very determined to succeed, and he eventually saved enough money to start his own business.

My great-grandfather’s business was very successful, and he eventually became a wealthy man. He was able to buy a big house and send his children to college. He also donated money to charity and helped to build schools and hospitals in China.

I think my great-grandfather’s values and behavior would have been very different if he had experienced downward mobility. He would have been more likely to focus on survival and less likely to take risks. He might also have been more resentful of the wealthy and less likely to help others.

I also think my great-grandfather’s experiences would have been different if his family had been of a different ethnic or racial origin. He would have faced more discrimination and it would have been harder for him to succeed. However, he was determined to succeed, and he was able to overcome the challenges he faced.

I am proud of my great-grandfather’s story. He is an inspiration to me, and he shows that it is possible to achieve great things even if you start with nothing.

I think it is important to remember that upward mobility is not always easy. It takes hard work, determination, and a lot of luck. However, it is possible to achieve great things if you set your mind to it.

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