The process of movement of individuals or groups from one stratum to another is called?

DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Applied Sociology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB -28 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Social mobility is the sociological term for the movement of individuals or groups from one social class or stratum to another.
This concept is central to understanding the dynamics of social stratification, as it measures the degree of openness and opportunity within a society.
The movement can be vertical (up or down the social ladder) or horizontal (a change in role at the same social level).
Factors influencing social mobility include education, occupation, economic changes, and government policies.

Option A: Social organization refers to the stable patterns of social relationships and institutions that form a society. It describes the structure itself, not the movement of people within that structure.
Option B: Social stratification is the system of ranking individuals and groups into a hierarchy of layers (strata). It is the framework of inequality, not the movement within it.
Option C: Social change is a very broad concept referring to any significant alteration over time in social behavior, cultural values, and norms. It is not specific to the movement of individuals between social strata.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Social Mobility as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A patient's social mobility (or lack thereof) directly impacts their socioeconomic status, which is a key determinant of health. It affects access to healthcare, health literacy, nutrition, and living conditions.
Nurses must be aware of a patient's social and economic background to provide holistic and culturally sensitive care, including appropriate health education and referrals to social support services.
What if a patient experiences downward social mobility due to a chronic illness and job loss? The nurse must assess for new psychosocial stressors, financial constraints affecting treatment adherence, and the potential need for social workers or financial aid.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question stem: 'movement' and 'from one stratum to another'.
Recognize that this is a definition-based question from sociology, a non-nursing subject often included in nursing entrance exams.
Analyze the options in relation to the keywords. The word 'mobility' inherently means the ability to move.
Differentiate the terms: 'Stratification' is the static layering system. 'Organization' is the overall societal structure. 'Change' is a broad societal transformation.
Conclude that 'Social mobility' is the most precise term that combines the concepts of 'social' (stratum) and 'movement'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 184-186, 183-185