Socio-economic background is often used as a measure for social mobility. Yet the two terms can be difficult to define due to the wide variety of factors that can influence the outcomes of different individuals.
Whilst socio-economic background refers to the set of social and economic circumstances that an individual has come from, social mobility refers to what someone’s income and occupation is in comparison to their parents or peers. The terms are linked and social mobility is often used as a way of describing the opportunities that enable individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds to become more economically successful.
We know that socio-economic background is a characteristic that can influence inequalities in the workplace as well as in wider society.
Socio-Economic Background in the Workplace
We want to understand the barriers that remain to create fair, inclusive workplaces, and the practical steps leaders can take for positive action. Read the discussion paper on Socio-Economic Background in the workplace.
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“For someone who was let down by school, who struggled to fit in with people my own age but with a massive driving force of ambition with regard to my career, my apprenticeship has changed my life. I have found my purpose and what I enjoy. I feel any stigma attached to apprenticeships is totally undeserved.”
El Longden, New Talent Apprentice, BBC
“The truth is, every student faces a different experience. All of us have a responsibility to help students across all courses to achieve positive outcomes. That starts with providing them with the core employability skills they’ll need to get their foot on the ladder.”
Matt Swarbrick, Director of Partnerships, CMI