The Role of Education in the Social Mobility of Poor Children in Urban Settings

Abstrak

This article discusses education and social mobility among poor urban children of second generation migrants. It develops a conceptual account of how schooling may contribute to breaking intergenerational poverty chains, while acknowledging the constraints faced by families living in dense low income neighbourhoods. Education is viewed as a source of cultural and symbolic resources that can widen aspirations, shape identities, and open access to formal employment. At the same time, limited family income, weak social networks, and the segmentation of urban labour markets restrict the extent to which certificates can be translated into upward movement. The paper highlights the ambiguous position of second generation migrants, who inherit narratives of sacrifice from their parents yet encounter unequal opportunities in city schools and workplaces. By synthesising these dimensions, the article argues that education can support gradual mobility for a portion of poor urban youth, though its capacity to sever poverty across generations depends on the interaction between school experiences, family support, and the broader structure of opportunity.