Upward Mobility of Second-Generation Immigrants - Essay Example

Social mobility is a multifaceted issue. It refers to the process where individuals move upwards or downwards from one social group to another. There are two types of social mobility exist that include horizontal and vertical mobility. Vertical social mobility entails movement from one socio-economic group or class to another socio-economic group (Corcoran 15). In this sense, individuals increase their economic, social and political welfare. The upward mobility of second-generation American immigrants is caused by many factors as outlined above(Corcoran 20).

However, the most important factor that can influence the upward mobility of second-generation American immigrants is the socio-economic status of their parents. This status has a major impact on the mobility of second-generation immigrants later in their life (Corcoran 25). Parents with lower socio-economic statuses are capable of increasing the chances of their children’s upward mobility through various means. For instance, they might provide stable homes, provide for their children’s educations and relatively low-stress environments among other issues. when children get stable backgrounds, their ability to climb the social ladder becomes easy for them, unlike children who are brought up in weaker social and economic backgrounds. However, the motivation and opportunities that come with the socio-economic backgrounds of parents, critically affect the ability of second-generation immigrants towards upward social mobility (Corcoran 95).

 The second most important factor that influences this mobility is early socialization into the American culture. Early socialization into a foreign culture gives immigrants an added advantage when dealing with certain important issues (Corcoran 47). This is the same when it comes to the upward mobility of second-generation American immigrants. Early socialization of second-generation American immigrants helps them in their upward mobility because American natives accept them, can socialize easily with American natives and thus get more opportunities for employment and business orientations. It reduces issues of discrimination (Corcoran 67).

A multi-method survey study (IIMMLA) conducted research on immigrant incorporation and mobility among their children between the ages of 20 and 39 in Los Angeles Metropolitan.  This study focused on the Mexican-origin population (Portes and Rumbaut 56). The study found out that 62 percent of Los Angeles residents in the year 2000 were of either foreign birth or parentage. The study was conducted in the Metropolitan area featuring Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino counties among others. It included a study of second, third and other subsequent immigrant generations of Mexican origin. Through interviews and surveys, the study found out that upward social mobility had been majorly influenced by the socio-economic status held by the parents of the second-generation immigrants (Portes and Rumbaut 96).

In conclusion, social mobility in American society especially for second-generation immigrants is influenced by several factors that might have similar or varying effects.