The State of Knowledge about Social Mobility in the Developing World

Abstract

This introductory chapter provides an analytical overview of this volume. Firstly, it provides a rationale for the book. Secondly, it assesses where we stand in terms of the state of current knowledge on the subject, expanding on what we know about three key concerns—concepts, methods, and determinative factors. We argue while social mobility in advanced economies has received extensive scholarly attention, crucial knowledge gaps remain about the patterns and determinants of income, educational, and occupational mobility in developing countries. Thirdly, it examines the inter-relationships among inequality, poverty reduction, intergenerational mobility, and economic growth, discussing the relationship between inequality and social mobility, between economic growth and social mobility, and between poverty reduction and social mobility in turn. Finally, the chapter discusses the contributions of each chapter in the book volume.