How is 'intergenerational mobility' defined?

Intergenerational mobility refers specifically to the changes in social status that are observed across different generations within a family. This concept examines how the economic and social status of parents influences their children, particularly looking at whether children achieve a higher or lower status than their parents. It highlights the impact of societal factors, such as education, income, and employment opportunities, on an individual's potential to ascend (or descend) the social class hierarchy compared to their ancestors.

The other options do not capture the essence of intergenerational mobility. Focusing on changes within a single generation misses the generational aspect that is central to the definition. Similarly, shifts based on personal choices or movement within a year do not adequately address the broader historical and familial context that intergenerational mobility entails. By recognizing how social status is passed from one generation to the next, we gain insight into the continuity and change in social structures over time.