The interaction of race, ethnicity, and social mobility in the United States

Examine the interaction of race, ethnicity, and social mobility in the United States. Using both historical and current statistics and examples, choose two races or ethnicities and compare and contrast their opportunities for mobility. Be sure to consider barriers, opportunities, and evaluate current programs and policies directed at addressing social inequalities. Discuss how your proposed solutions could be implemented in your community or at a broader societal level.

Full Answer Section

          The interaction of race, ethnicity, and social mobility in the United States is a complex and deeply ingrained aspect of the nation's social and economic fabric. Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder, typically measured by changes in income, wealth, education, or occupation across generations (intergenerational mobility) or within a person's lifetime (intragenerational mobility). While the American Dream posits that hard work can lead to upward mobility regardless of background, historical and contemporary data reveal persistent disparities based on race and ethnicity.  

Sample Answer

        The interaction of race, ethnicity, and social mobility in the United States is a complex and deeply ingrained aspect of the nation's social and economic fabric. Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder, typically measured by changes in income, wealth, education, or occupation across generations (intergenerational mobility) or within a person's lifetime (intragenerational mobility). While the American Dream posits that hard work can lead to upward mobility regardless of background, historical and contemporary data reveal persistent disparities based on race and ethnicity.