The Success Paradox: Why We Need a Holistic Theory of Social Mobility

The economistic way of thinking about social mobility favored by politicians and academics is narrow, unsustainable, and actually contributes to rising inequality. In this timely, innovative take on one of the key issues facing twenty-first-century society, Graeme Atherton offers an alternative vision of social mobility based on improving overall well-being—not just income or occupation—and provides a road map to achieve it. After examining how the term social mobility structures our understanding of success—and the impact that understanding has on society—Atherton outlines a holistic approach that encompasses education, economics, and politics. In so doing he recasts the relationship between employees and employers, embracing radical opportunities provided by technology; rethinks the very nature of higher education; and looks beyond employment to incorporate progress in non-work areas of life.