In modern societies movement is measured in terms of social class which is linked to occupation. It is generally accepted that modern society permits more social mobility than traditional societies though this in part reflects changes in the occupational structure which has witnessed the growth of professional, technical, managerial and clerical occupations and the contraction of manual jobs. On the whole, sociologists have conceived of social mobility as performing vital social functions. Blau and Duncan have argued that the efficiency of modern society requires mobility if the most able people are to perform the most important jobs. Many people in modern society believe that it is possible to reach the top if they work hard and persistently enough.
Statistics indicate that in reality few succeed.
The socioeconomic order is shaped like a pyramid with very few positions of power and wealth at the top. Those in positions of power have many opportunities to perpetuate their advantages and to pass them on to their children. Their children will have the best education enabling them to secure good jobs, and ways are found of passing on their wealth. Allen, Davina A. DA Bloomsbury Guide to Human Thought 2. Class Bloomsbury Guide to Human Thought 3.