Read the given passage carefully and answer the next five questions. (39-43)
Mygrandfather, like most Nagas who had come into close contact with Europeans, was convinced that education was the only way to get ahead in life. He aspired for his children the kind of life he had seen being lived by the British administration and missionaries. He sent my mother away to school, first in neighbouring Assam, then as far as Shimla. My mother was encouraged by one of the more educated men in her village who told her that with an education in these new times, she could even become like the Indian lady who spoke before the world: Vijayalaxmi Pandit, who represented India at the UN. My father by dint of his own intelligence and hard work, put himself through the local mission school and college in Shillong. All Nagas of my parents’ generation who were able to, chose to get educated in English. For them, it was more than a gateway to upward mobility. In a region where tribes that live no more than 20 kms apart speak completely different languages, it was a medium through which they could communicate amongst themselves and with the world. They became the voice of their people and made English the official state language.
Name the process through which the movement of individuals takes place from their existing status to improved status.
Correct Answer :
Upward Mobility
Solution :
The correct option is Upward Mobility.
Explanation:
Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals, families, or groups through a system of social hierarchy or stratification. When individuals move from their existing socio-economic status to a higher or improved status (often through factors like education, employment, or wealth accumulation), this process is specifically known as upward mobility.
In the context of the provided passage, the author highlights how education and learning English served as a key "gateway to upward mobility" for the Nagas of their parents' generation, enabling them to transition from their traditional lifestyles to professional roles, communicate across different tribal languages, and represent their people globally.
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