Social mobility- why is it so important?

Written by Lauren Goode, mfg Solicitors LLP

Social mobility involves a person’s ability to move up or down the social ladder. A person may be affected in different ways such as income, education, disability, or race.

As a normal, working class, woman from the Black Country I feel I have felt the impact of social mobility from a socio-economic perspective.

My parents left school at 15 and 16, with no option other than to go straight into the workplace.  They have worked low paying, mostly manual, jobs with my dad working 7 days a week most of my life. My sister and I are two of the few to have attended college and two of the first to go on to study at university.

My parents, whilst enormously proud and supportive, were unable to guide either of us through the ways of the world we were entering.

Entering the legal sector was overwhelming at the time. Whilst a lot has changed over the last couple of decades, it felt like the old boys ’club was still very much alive. This brought on many challenges and insecurities that I feel many can relate to: imposter phenomenon being the number one challenge and something I still deal with today.

I am still navigating my career and where I want to be. However, I have found over the last couple of years that the best way to break through the social mobility bubble is to stop holding yourself back. Put yourself forward, step up when opportunities come your way, celebrate your wins and keep on top of your mental health. Most importantly, keep that Black Country accent!

I now encourage others and feel it is important to create a welcoming and supportive environment within the workplace. This enables others to be nurtured and thrive.

In conclusion, social mobility affects people in many ways. Whilst there may be barriers along the way, it is important to not limit yourself and to make sure you break out of that bubble!