When an individual moves from one social class to another over the course of his or her lifetime, what is this process called?

• A. Intergenerational mobility
• B. Intragenerational mobility
• C. Structural mobility
• D. Horizontal mobility

Answer: (B)

The process of moving from one social class to another over the course of an individual's lifetime is referred to as intragenerational mobility. This term specifically highlights changes that occur within an individual's lifetime, distinguishing it from other forms of mobility. Intragenerational mobility can reflect significant shifts in socio-economic status due to various factors such as career advancements, education, or economic changes affecting personal fortunes.

In contrast, intergenerational mobility refers to changes in social class between different generations within the same family, such as the socio-economic differences between parents and their children. Structural mobility encompasses shifts that occur due to changes in the wider society or economy, which can create new class structures and opportunities for advancement, while horizontal mobility describes a change in position or status, typically within the same social class, without an upward or downward shift. Therefore, the explanation of intragenerational mobility is accurate in capturing the specific context of an individual's movement between social classes throughout their life.