1. References

The inequality in terms of social mobility and economic position can be attributed to many factors, including education, legislation, and migration throughout history^[1]. In terms of migration, after the Civil War many newly freed slaves and descendants of slaves stayed in the south in rural areas due to their initial low tier of income and social status. Residing in rural areas rather than urban areas, Black Americans were subject to a slower climbing of the social ladder. This is the case because in an urban city individuals tend to focus on themselves rather than get overly connected and in a sense, distracted by others rather than focusing on themselves^[1]. Despite this sentiment, Blacks still faced problems regarding equal opportunity in terms of social mobility. Following mass migrations to cities, Blacks still faced a difficult time with upward social mobility which can be linked to legislation. The Black Codes, Jim Crow Laws, all helped to keep the Black population down and dependent through economic means and also in effect hurting their ability to create change through political means by voting^[2]. Through means of education, Blacks have faced hardships in proper education throughout their history in America. These factors include schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods and towns being kept in a worse condition and being funded less both in history with segregation but even today as well^[3]. It is thought that this may be the case because these areas may be poorer in general, however it is more a combination of the two^[4]. Hardships in education can have a detrimental effect in an individual’s future by hurting their potential for a professional career, inhibiting them from upward social mobility.

Inequality in social mobility can also be attributed to the participation in sports in a student’s life. In the United States of America there has been a general decrease of upward social mobility, and in fact an increase of downward mobility in the Black American population (White and Wanamaker). The cases that hurt the equality of social mobility can pertain to the entire population in general, but as seen before and seen again with this example, they tend to stick to certain groups, namely Blacks. Students who split their time between academics and sports tend to see an overall decrease in academic performance especially at the university level.^[5]. This can be attributed to the necessity of dividing time up between academics and practicing and playing one’s sport of choice. Leading to a lower performance academically, this can end up hindering one’s chance of mobility socially and economically. In addition, with athletics being a big part of life for many Black Americans, this is one reason why there is a clear divide between white and Black population with respect to the ability to climb the social ladder, and median home income over the years^[5]

Even though, it is noted that participation in sports may in fact boost one’s ability to migrate upwards socially and economically. It is said that playing sports allows individuals to become better at working as a cohesive unit earlier than many others, boost self esteem and confidence, and furthers character development.^[5]. These all contribute to the makeup of someone who will be successful in professional terms. Yet this is not apparent for Black students who still see less opportunity and ability for upwards social mobility. When compared to White sons, only 45 percent of Black sons rise 10 percentiles of income beyond their fathers as opposed to 80 percent of white sons^[2]

The study of the effects of sport participation on social mobility does come with its flaws. First and foremost, most studies tend to either neglect or forget to include Black participants. This unfortunate point shows that through the very limited amount of studies relating sports to a Black individual’s potential for social mobility, the effects have generally blurred. In this study, it is suggested that sport participation is helping students of color stay in school and attain a degree, whether it may be in high school or in college^[5]. With many Black students in areas and in situations where it is difficult to stay in school and earn their degree, it is clear this thought about sport participation is truly beneficial. This has not been brought up much until recently due to the lack of diversity in the studies.

There are clearly a number of factors involved in the restriction of social mobility for those of African descent in America. These factors are not working on their own but are added to each other which results in a serious challenge for those who face them to overcome them.

References

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