What term describes the ability of individuals or families to move up the socioeconomic ladder, improving their social status?

The term that describes the ability of individuals or families to move up the socioeconomic ladder is "social mobility. " Social mobility means that people can improve their social and economic status over time, often through education, job opportunities, or changes in their circumstances. For example, if a person from a low-income family works hard in school, earns a scholarship, and graduates from college, they might get a better job that pays more money, allowing them to achieve a higher social status. This process shows how education and hard work can lead to upward movement, demonstrating that everyone has the potential to improve their lives, even if they start from a disadvantage. However, social mobility can be limited by factors like inequality, which makes it harder for some people to climb the ladder.