Intergenerational social mobility of 1970–1984-year generation: a reproduction of social and cultural capital

Abstract

Presentation is based on the data of qualitative research of the intergenerational social mobility in Lithuanians 1970–1984 generation. Empirical research was conducted out in the framework of the ESF-funded project “Families, Inequality and Demographic Processes”. Of the 88 biographical interviews, analyzing intergenerational social mobility were selected 30 narratives. To cover different experiences and capture the existing diversity of social mobility models, narratives have been chosen in which informants represent different socioeconomic statuses, have different education and gender. As social mobility is a complex phenomenon, the analysis was assessed in terms of individuals’ position through the interaction of cultural and social capital resources. Empirical research shows that the opportunities of the transition generation for intergenerational social mobility are largely related to the ability to get benefit from the assistance provided by the immediate environment or institutions. They create additional resources for the socio-economic growth of the individual. However, differences are observed between informants with medium / low and high socioeconomic status. Families with high status create opportunities to have the necessary contacts and gain the necessary reinforcement by creating a wide social network. Meanwhile, in families where is poverty, low parental education, dysfunctional relationships between family members, there are additional barriers to family members' educational opportunities and, at the same time, a lack of motivation for change. As intergenerational social mobility is an important measure of societal justice, research on intergenerational social mobility in specific generations provides an opportunity to identify significant factors and their limiting influence on the growth of individuals in the structure of society.