Understanding Perceptions of Socio-economic Mobility in the United States

• In Event: 4255 - Section on Economic Sociology Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 6. Income Shifts and Mobility

Abstract

The challenge of studying perceptions of socio-economic mobility resides in the complexities of measuring both perceptions and mobility. Such complexities make it difficult to assess what support there is for any particular conclusions about perceptions of socio-economic mobility in the United States. The complexities and the accompanying methodological challenges contribute to discordant conclusions and seemingly incongruous findings within the relevant bodies of research. In work reported in this paper I examine trends on these topics with a focus on areas of agreement and disagreement and the reasons for them. If we hope to study these topics effectively, making meaningful conclusions, we must understand the reasons for the points of agreement and disagreement. Doing so will help us learn more about perceptions and their relationship to mobility from both existing and future research.

Author

• Alissa Klein, University of South Florida