What is Social Mobility and Social Inclusion?

The term 'mobility' suggests change is needed as we move from one point to the next. While some changes are good, such as moving to a new city offering better work opportunities, many changes socially mobile individuals face can leave them feeling quite isolated. 

How on earth did I end up with this 'posh' received pronunciation accent, when my mum is from Cannock (Staffordshire)? It's no secret that people change the way they talk, dress and act on the journey to become socially mobile. Imposter syndrome and lacking confidence are huge issues for many socially mobile individuals, causing some to leave careers early as they feel like they don't fit in. If you are spending 30% of your day worrying about 'sounding like a professional' or 'looking like a professional' that's 30% less time working, 30% more insecurity and 100% unnecessary stress. 

In this blog, I'll discuss: 

• What is Social Mobility;
• The importance of Mobility and Inclusion; and
• How to Champion Social Mobility.

What is Social Mobility

"Social Mobility" is defined by the Social Mobility Commission as:

The link between a person’s occupation or income and the occupation or income of their parents. 

(Where there is a strong link, there is a lower level of social mobility. Where there is a weak link, there is a higher level of social mobility). 

While I love the Social Mobility Commission (and avidly listen to their podcast 'Social Mobility Talks') I don't like their definition because it doesn't get to the heart of the topic - equality and inclusion.

To explain this point, I thought I would share my own story...

I grew up with a single-parent mum who worked two full-time jobs as a beauty therapist and a teacher. She worked 14-16 hours a day, 7 days a week just to provide for my sister and me. My father (a chef) left when I was a baby. I moved house 7 times from the ages of 0-13 (due to rent increases and financial worries) and I had to share a bedroom with my sibling in our tiny flat for most of my childhood. Neither of my parents went to university, and my mum's parents (a secretary and a builder) left education after school. Of my friendship group of 8, only 2 went to university and only I graduated.

"60% of those from independent schools in higher education attend a Russell Group university, compared to just under a quarter of those from comprehensives and sixth form colleges" - Sutton Trust 'Access to Advantage' Report

I'm not sharing my personal experiences as a sob story, seeking any sympathy; a concerningly large percentage of the UK's population shares a similar struggle. The UK's households below average income report 2021/2022 included 4.2 million children, meaning almost one in three (29 per cent) live in poverty. I'm sharing my story to demonstrate the lack of equal opportunity that many children, through no fault of their own, face through their education. Ultimately, issues of class are rarely discussed, despite having clear links with access to careers and career progression. 

Today, I am a trainee solicitor at a top Magic Circle law firm and my life feels increasingly distant from the daily financial struggles of my childhood. Getting to this position is a privilege, but the journey was exhausting as I worked multiple part-time jobs (as a chef, a soldier, and in retail) to support myself through my studies.

Social Mobility & Social Inclusion

The term 'inclusion' suggests an inclusive environment that accepts everyone for who they are. If you are great at your job (or show strong potential) that should be all that matters. Although it doesn't fix any of the barriers to entry faced by aspiring professionals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, creating an inclusive culture WILL help to retain those individuals. Issues of imposter syndrome are far less likely to occur if people feel welcomed and valued in their workplace. International businesses thrive from fostering a diverse workforce which can understand different clients and cultures, so promoting inclusivity in all respects presents benefits for both employees and employers.

I would define Social Inclusion as:

Creating an inclusive environment for everyone, providing equal access to opportunities and resources.

Identifying the need for social mobility is only part of the solution, as without social inclusion mobile individuals will feel like imposters.

How to Champion Social Mobility

SLAB's mission is to champion social mobility and inclusion within the corporate world. The free blogs we write, workshops we host, and tutoring we provide all work towards this goal. But, the battle for greater social mobility can't be fought alone. I would encourage anyone who has made it this far in the blog (and my sincere 'thank you' if you have) to do the following to help champion social mobility and inclusion:

• Talk openly about social mobility to raise awareness;
• Encourage employers to actively review their hiring strategies in relation to social mobility; 
• Foster a culture that promotes social inclusion; and
• Apply for a volunteer role with SLAB (applications opening soon)!

Please comment below if you found this blog insightful. I'd also be keen to hear any future topics for discussion.

Christian 
(SLAB)

(To hear more about the support we offer to schools, colleges, and individuals email us at studentlawandbusiness@gmail.com).