Question

Becky's mother is an architect and her father is a college professor. Becky left home at age 16 to live with her boyfriend. When their relationship ended, Becky no longer communicated with her parents and did not return to high school. After working briefly at a fast-food restaurant, Becky resorted to asking passersby at a local shopping area for money. Becky's story illustrates the concept of __________.
a. Vertical mobility
b. horizontal mobility
c. structural mobility
d. situational mobility

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is A: vertical mobility.

Explanation: When a move involves a change in social class, it is called “vertical mobility” and involves either “upward mobility” or “downward mobility. In this specific case, Becky's story ilustrates downwards mobility because she lowered her previous social status. For it to have been horizontal, her status should have remained the same though her home or job would have changed. For it to had been structural, the change should have involved a larger group of people of the society, and not just an individual.