Social mobility is solely determined by individual merit and does not take into account structural factors such as economic conditions or societal changes.

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to move up or down the social and economic ladder within society. While individual merit, such as hard work and talent, plays a role in this process, it is not the only factor. Structural elements, like economic conditions, education opportunities, and societal changes, greatly influence a person's chances for upward mobility. For example, a talented student from a low-income family may struggle to access quality education, which can limit their opportunities despite their abilities. Therefore, understanding social mobility requires looking at both individual efforts and the larger societal context that shapes those opportunities.