What underlying cause contributes significantly to the observed disparities in social mobility based on socioeconomic status (SES)?

One major cause of disparities in social mobility based on socioeconomic status (SES) is access to quality education. Families with higher SES often can afford better schools, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, which help their children learn more effectively and develop important skills. In contrast, children from lower SES backgrounds may attend underfunded schools with fewer resources and opportunities, limiting their potential for upward mobility. For example, a child from a wealthy family might receive private tutoring in math, helping them excel in school and secure a scholarship for college, while a child from a low-income family may struggle to get the same level of support. This difference in educational opportunities creates a cycle that can keep low-SES families from improving their situation over time.