Tatiana Yu. Kirilina, Dr of Sociology, Professor, Department of Humanitarian and Social Disciplines, Technological University named after twice Hero of the Soviet Union, Pilot-cosmonaut A.A. Leonov”, Korolev city, Russia, e-mail: tykirilina@gmail.com
The article analyzes the ideas of modern Russian youth about education as a channel of social mobility and the possibilities of improving social status with the help of this social elevator. The empirical basis of the study was the results of a survey of 462 respondents aged 14 to 35 years. More than three quarters of the respondents are not satisfied with their social status and would like to raise it. The young survey participants believe that, first of all, education and science allow you to succeed in modern Russian society if you rely only on your abilities.
In modern Russia, a low level of education is a barrier to upward social mobility. A good education is necessary for access to managerial positions and prestigious professions. Therefore, the vast majority of respondents plan to further improve their education level. At the same time, higher education in modern Russia is not, as in most European countries, a guarantee of power and high income.
Keywords: education, social institution, social mobility, upward vertical mobility, social elevators, youth
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