Static social mobility

A report commissioned by the Sutton Trust finds that social mobility (defined as the link between parental and siblings earnings) has remained constant since 1970 (this is in contrast to an increase in social mobility between 1958-1970). Looking at intermediate outcomes (educational attainment, as incomes cannot be monitored yet) it indicates a potential decline in social mobility. Whilst there is an increase in all social groups gaining a degree the increase is sharpest amongst the top 20% of the population. 44% of the richest 5th of the population gained a degree in 2002, as opposed to 10% of the poorest 5th.

More interesting, the study also found that being bright does not indicate scholarly success. Those who had high cognitive scores at age 3 but from poor backgrounds are likely to be overtaken within 4 years by their richer peers who had significantly weaker cognitive skills at age 3.