The Differential Fertility of the American Negro

Abstract

sally available the level of the whole population rises. Each stratum may or may not keep its original relative rank. This process in which the societal level is raised has been characteristic of America. Each stratum has improved its level of living in terms of consumption items, more opportunities for education, better health and other factors which make up the good life. The absence or closure of channels which facilitate upward movement might be considered as obstructive of mobility. Some major barriers would be: (1) lack of continuous economic expansion, especially in industrial employment; (2) restriction of membership in professional, business, and workers groups on any basis except competence; and (3) limitation of educational opportunities and other aids to acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for higher ranks. If the channels for vertical mobility are absent and if a large number of people possess a strong desire for improved status, they either greatly modify their aims, or tensions are created which threaten the social order. Mobility depends not only on opportunities available but also on personality organization and motivation. Of several, two pertinent questions may be asked here. How does the level of aspiration and the level of achievement vary from one stratum to another? What part does temperament, social experience, accident, and group pressure play in influencing one's ambitions and goals? Among other things the individual who is upwardly mobile must be flexible and must desire to learn the new ways of behaving required of him at higher levels.