Most of us grow up believing in the idea that if we work hard, stay honest, and never give up, we can improve our lives. That dream, often called the “rags-to-riches” story, is a powerful part of what many societies, especially in the West, call the “meritocracy.” This is the belief that people rise and fall based on their abilities and efforts. It tells us that no matter where you start, you can make it to the top. But is this really true for everyone? Or is social mobility—the ability to move from one class to another—more myth than reality?
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move between social or economic levels over time. For example, someone born into a poor family might grow up to become wealthy, or someone from a rich family might lose everything and fall into poverty. When this movement is possible and common, people say a society has high social mobility. When it is rare or very difficult, social mobility is said to be low.
On the surface, it seems like the world should offer equal chances to all. Schools are open to everyone. Job listings do not say “rich people only.” But in reality, many hidden forces shape our lives from the very beginning. A child born in a wealthy neighborhood may have access to better schools, healthcare, tutors, safe parks, and social connections. On the other hand, a child born in poverty may face poor schools, unsafe environments, stress at home, and limited guidance. Even if both children work equally hard, the one from a wealthier background may have a huge head start in life.
This is where the problem begins. Many people think that talent and hard work are all that matter. But if people are starting the race from different positions, then the race is not fair to begin with. That is why some experts argue that social mobility is more myth than fact—because the system is often stacked in favor of those who are already ahead.
Studies have shown that in many countries, especially those with large income gaps, it is very difficult for poor people to move up. In fact, the chances of escaping poverty are much lower than most people think. Wealth tends to stay in families for generations. If your parents are rich, you are likely to stay rich. If they are poor, you are likely to stay poor. Even in places like the United States, which is known for its “American Dream,” research shows that social mobility is lower than in several European countries.
There are many reasons why this happens. One of them is education. Schools in poor areas often lack resources, experienced teachers, and advanced classes. Students may face crowded classrooms, outdated books, and limited support. Meanwhile, wealthier students may attend private schools or well-funded public ones, with plenty of support and opportunities. Education should be a ladder to climb up, but for many, it feels like a broken ladder that does not reach very far.
Another reason is access to networks and connections. In many industries, it is not just about what you know, but also who you know. Rich families can introduce their children to successful people, open doors to internships, or even help them start businesses. Poor families may not have those kinds of contacts. Without that extra push, it is harder to get ahead, no matter how smart or hardworking someone is.
Discrimination also plays a role. People from minority backgrounds, women, and those with disabilities often face barriers that others do not. They may be paid less for the same work, passed over for promotions, or judged unfairly in interviews. Even if laws protect against discrimination, biases still exist in people’s minds. These invisible walls can slow or stop upward movement in society.
Even when people manage to climb up the ladder, they often face pressure to act a certain way, hide their background, or cut ties with their communities. This creates emotional stress and a sense of not belonging. Climbing up may look successful from the outside, but it can feel lonely and painful on the inside. Some people may even give up trying, not because they are lazy, but because the struggle feels endless and thankless.
On the other hand, defenders of social mobility argue that progress is possible. They point to stories of people who rose from nothing to achieve great things. And yes, those stories are real. But they are often rare exceptions, not the rule. For every one person who breaks through the system, there are thousands who remain stuck despite their efforts. These success stories can inspire hope, but they can also be misleading, because they suggest that if someone does not succeed, it is their own fault. That thinking ignores all the barriers that still exist.
This does not mean we should give up hope. Instead, we should understand that the system needs improvement. If we want real social mobility, we have to fix the roots of inequality. That means investing more in public education, making healthcare and housing more affordable, fighting discrimination, and ensuring that everyone—no matter where they come from—has a fair chance.
It also means changing how we talk about success. Instead of focusing only on individual effort, we need to look at the bigger picture. Did that person have access to good schools? Did they have mentors or support? Did the system help or hold them back? Once we ask these questions, we can build a more honest and fair society.
In the end, social mobility is not a complete myth—but it is far less common than many people believe. It is not enough to tell people to work hard. We must also make sure that hard work actually pays off, especially for those who start with less. Otherwise, the promise of opportunity remains just a dream for most.
By Khushdil Khan Kasi
