Social mobility is primarily increased by access to high-quality education, which serves as the most effective "passport" to higher-income occupations and social prestige. In 2026, experts also point to financial status and income as direct catalysts; having a higher baseline of wealth allows for better networking and investment in skill-building. Migration—the ability to move to locations with better economic opportunities—is another key factor. Furthermore, social movements and government policies that promote equal opportunity and reduce barriers for marginalized groups can facilitate "upward mobility." Achievements and specialized training in high-demand fields like technology or healthcare also allow individuals to rise through the social strata. On a personal level, individual motivation and ambition are necessary, but they must be supported by an "open system" where status is earned through merit rather than inherited through family notoriety or religious affiliation.