Introduction to Social Mobility in Mexico
According to the “Report on Social Mobility in Mexico 2025” by the Centro de Estudios Espinosa Yglesias (CEEY), based on the 2023 ESRU Survey of Social Mobility, only 2 out of every 100 individuals manage to ascend into the top 20% of the economic ladder. This report sheds light on the persistent social mobility challenges in Mexico.
Gender and Skin Tone Disparities
The study reveals that social mobility is more challenging for women, and these difficulties are exacerbated for individuals with darker skin tones or those belonging to indigenous communities. Only 2 out of 100 people succeed in reaching the highest economic echelons, with women facing greater obstacles compared to men.
Educational Disparities
In terms of education, the report indicates that only 9% of those with parents having primary school education or less manage to access professional studies. In contrast, among individuals from households with parents who have higher education, the percentage rises to 63%. This highlights a significant educational divide based on parental education levels.
Regional Disparities
Geographical location also plays a crucial role in social mobility. In the southern part of Mexico, 64% of those born into poverty remain trapped in that condition. Meanwhile, the corresponding figure for the northern region is 37%. This stark contrast underscores the unequal opportunities available to individuals based on their place of birth.
Impact of Economic Resources
The report emphasizes that the economic resources available in one’s family of origin account for more than half of the disparity in opportunities. Luis Monroy-Gómez-Franco, one of the report’s co-authors, notes that this reflects a significant absence of quality public services provided by the Mexican government. Consequently, families must navigate adverse situations and investment decisions primarily through a private lens.
Poverty Reduction and Intergenerational Persistence
Although there has been a general reduction in poverty due to income between 2017 and 2023 (from 48% to 41%), the intergenerational persistence of poverty has only decreased from 72% to 65%. This suggests that the improvement has not been substantial enough to break the cycle of inherited disadvantage. In cases of extreme poverty, persistence dropped from 39% to 33% nationally; however, some regions like the center experienced an increase.
Key Questions and Answers
- What percentage of people manage to ascend into the top 20% of the economic ladder? Only 2 out of every 100 individuals succeed in reaching the highest economic echelons.
- How do gender and skin tone affect social mobility? Women, particularly those with darker skin tones or from indigenous communities, face greater challenges in social mobility.
- What is the educational disparity based on parental education levels? Only 9% of those with parents having primary school education or less access professional studies, while 63% of individuals from households with higher-educated parents achieve this level.
- How do regional differences impact social mobility? In the southern part of Mexico, 64% of those born into poverty remain trapped, while in the north, this figure is 37%.
- What does the report say about the role of economic resources in social mobility? More than half of the disparity in opportunities is attributed to the economic resources available in one’s family of origin, indicating a lack of quality public services provided by the Mexican government.
- How has poverty changed between 2017 and 2023? Poverty due to income decreased from 48% to 41%, but intergenerational persistence of poverty only dropped from 72% to 65%, suggesting insufficient progress in breaking the cycle of inherited disadvantage.
