Join Zoom Meeting
zoom.us/j/97156099278?pwd=bE1DNElhVmRRWkl1Q1lVSEI3UlRLdz09
Meeting ID: 971 5609 9278 Passcode: 324627

Abstract: Extensive research explores the relationship between deepening conflict over sociocultural issues and stagnating social mobility, typically focusing on men. Upwardly mobile women are routinely mentioned as belonging to the progressive “winners” of the knowledge-based society, yet their experiences and politics have received far less attention. This paper theorizes and investigates how women view their individual and collective trajectories and how these views shape both their perceptions of future opportunities and their political attitudes. Using survey data from four West European countries, we find that, while individual trajectories of upward intergenerational mobility (also compared to mothers) are associated with positive opportunity perceptions, this is not more pronounced among women than men, nor linked to especially progressive attitudes. Rather, it is the women perceiving collective gains who demand further action to achieve gender equality. This contrasts with upwardly mobile men, who acknowledge women’s advancement while readily accepting the still male-dominated status quo. Building on this survey research, focus groups planned with upwardly mobile female professionals will provide further insights into how this group assesses personal (social and professional) as well as women’s collective trajectories; how these perceptions relate to opportunity perceptions; as well as how (if at all) women link their experiences of social mobility to politics.