Reference no: EM132206350

Part 1. Meritocracy

Explain how the United States compares to other countries with regards to social mobility rates. Are there differences between the United States and other countries? Why?

Which group in the society has the opportunity for upward social mobility and why? Do you think the United States is truly a meritocracy? Why or why not?

Give relevant examples to support your decision. Apply your decision of attending college to the concept of meritocracy.

Be sure to support your answer with references to the textbook, appropriate outside resources, and your own personal experiences.

Part 2. Social Mobility

For this assignment, you will trace your own family's history of social mobility. Consider various types of social mobility, including intragenerational mobility, intergenerational mobility, and status attainment.

You should examine at least three generations of your family and think about their achievements and ascriptions and whether people climbed upward, slid downward, or remained the same. Be sure to think about race and gender and their role in mobility and social status. You should also make predictions about your own social mobility and your children's (real or imagined) future mobility.

To complete this assignment, perform the following tasks:

1. Describe your family's history of social mobility through at least three generations. Types of social mobility to discuss include intragenerational mobility, intergenerational mobility, and status attainment.

2. Explain the role of race and gender in the discussion on mobility and social status.

3. Explore and then explain why each generation achieved different levels of social mobility.

4. Predict your own social mobility and if you have children, their mobility.

5. Support your work with the text readings, lectures, and appropriate outside resources.