Women’s Social Mobility in Contemporary Societies: Factors and Channels

Аннотация

Women’s upward and downward movements across the social hierarchy—social mobility—now hinge on far more than family income or occupational status. Digitalisation, care‐economy reforms, expanded legal rights, and shifting cultural attitudes have opened new pathways while also producing fresh barriers. This article synthesises recent global evidence (2023-25) to map the core factors that shape women’s mobility and the channels through which mobility actually occurs. It closes with policy directions designed to turn today’s partial openings into fully inclusive ladders of opportunity.