Research and analysis

Social Mobility Barometer - public attitudes to social mobility in the UK

Published 11 March 2021

About the Commission

The Social Mobility Commission is an advisory non-departmental public body established under the Life Chances Act 2010 as modified by the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016. It has a duty to assess progress in improving social mobility in the UK and to promote social mobility in England. It consists of twelve commissioners and is supported by a small secretariat.

The Commission board comprises:

Interim Co-Chairs

• Steven Cooper, Chair of Experian UK and incoming CEO of Aldermore Bank Plc
• Sandra Wallace, Partner and Joint Managing Director at law firm DLA Piper

Commissioners

• Saeed Atcha MBE, Chief Executive of the charity Youth Leads UK
• Alastair Da Costa, Chair of Capital City College Group
• Pippa Dunn, Co-Founder of Broody, helping entrepreneurs and start ups
• Sam Friedman, Associate Professor in Sociology at the London School of Economics
• Harvey Matthewson, Aviation Activity Officer at Aerobility, a charity for disabled people
• Jessica Oghenegweke, BBC Earth Kids presenter and student at Brunel University
• Farrah Storr, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE UK
• Jody Walker, Director of retail company TJX Europe
• Liz Williams MBE, CEO of FutureDotNow, a coalition focused on accelerating digital skills
• Sammy Wright, Vice-Principal of Southmoor Academy in Sunderland

The functions of the Commission include:

• monitoring progress on improving social mobility
• providing published advice to ministers on matters relating to social mobility
• undertaking social mobility advocacy

Social Mobility Commission, Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BT, contact@socialmobilitycommission.gov.uk

Foreword

Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down in the last year but those from disadvantaged backgrounds have fared so much the worst. More likely to lose their jobs, miss out on home schooling or fail to get an apprenticeship, they are also more likely to be in front line jobs and at greater risk of catching the virus.

Our latest Social Mobility Barometer 2021 surveys 4,693 UK adults and gives a timely snapshot of perceptions of where the pandemic has impacted most, who has suffered and what needs to be done by government and others. It reveals that most people think that COVID-19 has had the biggest impact on mental health (55%) and social interaction (44%) but also that the pandemic has led to even greater social inequality.

The YouGov poll shows that over half (56%) of all adults in the UK think that social inequality has increased as a result of the pandemic. Almost four fifths (79%) of adults believe there is now a large gap between social classes in Britain with 34% stating that it’s a very large gap.

In 2019, our State of the Nation report revealed that social mobility had stagnated for at least four years, with big increases in child poverty since 2012. Now without urgent targeted action, social mobility looks set to go backwards and the attainment gap between the wealthy and disadvantaged will grow ever wider.

The respondents say that boosting employment (47%) and addressing people’s mental health (46%) should be the top priorities for the government’s recovery programme, followed by access to education (33%). Schools, employers and government all have their part to play. The Commission has recently called for more digital access for children, extra teaching hours to allow pupils to catch up and more opportunities for apprenticeships –all of which help disadvantaged families.

Regional differences in perception are also apparent, despite the national reach of the pandemic. Over a third (35%) of those living in the North of England felt COVID-19 had impacted on employment in their area more than other parts of the country, while only 17% said the same in parts of the South.

There were also big regional differences in perceptions of opportunities. People in London are much more likely to think the opportunities to progress in their area are ‘good’ (74%) than people in the North East (31%).

Our research last autumn, looking at socio-economic data throughout England, showed dramatic differences in earnings for those from disadvantaged backgrounds depending on where they lived. This year we hope to work with central government, local leaders and metro mayors to share best practice and encourage more targeted action in the “coldest spots” across England.

The social mobility agenda could not be more relevant than it is now. The pandemic is exposing those without jobs, welfare claimants, people in cramped housing with no outside space, and students fearful of their future. There are families without basic provisions –let alone laptops. The Commission wishes to seize this moment of greater public awareness to help drive and deliver an agenda for fairness and equal opportunity, particularly in the regions.

Our move to the Cabinet Office next month should let us help shape that agenda from the heart of Whitehall. The poll shows that people think that local and central government should do more to boost social mobility. Our job in the next few months is to help ensure that happens.

Steven Cooper and Sandra Wallace
Interim Co-Chairs of the Social Mobility Commission

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 4693, adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27 January to 1 February 2021. The survey was carried out online.

The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). YouGov ensured that the survey was representative based on several criteria:

• age
• gender
• political attention
• region
• social grade
• education level
• general election vote in 2019
• EU referendum vote in 2016

YouGov is registered with the Information Commissioner and is a member of the British Polling Council.

Top line findings

Overall

• around half of the public (48%) consider themselves to be working class, 36% middle class and 0% upper class. Those aged 50 to 64 are most likely to describe themselves as working class (54%)

• 79% of adults across all regions say there is a large gap between social classes in Britain today, while 11% say there is a small gap. Those who live in Scotland and those in Northern Ireland are most likely to think there is a large gap (both 84%)

• 39% of the public think it’s getting harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society. 28% say it’s staying much the same, while 23% say it’s getting easier

The impact of coronavirus

• 56% of the UK adults think the coronavirus outbreak has increased inequality in Britain: 33% say by ‘a lot’ and 23% by ‘a little’

• most people (55%) think the pandemic has had the biggest impact on mental health. 44% cite lack of social contact while 26% say employment opportunities

• nearly half (47%) of UK adults believe that the government should make employment opportunities one of their priorities as the country recovers from the pandemic. Other priorities should include mental health (46%) and education (33%)

• women are more likely than men to believe that the effect on mental health is one of the biggest impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and that it should be a priority in the recovery. (59% vs 51% and 51% vs 42% respectively)

Regional differences

• people in the South are much more likely to describe the opportunities for progression in their area as ‘good’: 74% in London; 31% in the North East

• three quarters (74%) of adults believe there is a ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ large difference in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today. 16% said there was ‘not much’ or ‘no difference at all’

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Generational differences & impact of background

• people aged 25 to 49 are least likely to think that everyone in Britain has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them (28%). This contrasts with 47% of people aged 65+

• older generations are more likely to believe they are better off than their parents, on a number of different measures. A net total of 72% of people over 65 say they received better education than their parents – compared with 48% of those aged 18 to 24. (Net total is the total who are ‘better off’ minus the total who are ‘worse off’)
• young people are more likely than their older counterparts to think that it’s becoming easier for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society. 35% of 18 to 24 year olds say it’s becoming easier, compared with 19% of 25 to 49 year olds

Ethnic differences^{[footnote 1]}

• black and minority ethnic (BME) people are more likely than white people to say that their background has hindered their career. 23% of BME respondents say that their family background is a disadvantage for progression at work –compared with 14% of white respondents
• 58% of BME respondents say that employers should have to take action to try and improve social mobility. This is compared to the UK average of 42%

Government support

• the public says that the government is not providing enough support to those who are ‘just about managing’ (64%) and the least well off (52%)

• When asked which institutions should be doing more to promote social mobility and provide opportunities for everyone, 53% say central government while 42% point to local government

• When asked which institutions are best equipped to have an impact on social mobility and ensure opportunities for all, the most popular answer was ‘schools’ (46% ). This was followed by central government 37%, and employers 36%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Around half of UK adults say they’re working class, while a third say they’re middle class

48% of UK adults think of themselves as working class. Those most likely to identify themselves as working class are aged 50 to 64 (54%), compared with 40% of 18 to 24 year olds.

People over 65 are most likely to identify as middle class (43%) compared to the UK average of 36%.

One in 10 (11%) of all respondents do not consider themselves to be any of these classes, while 5% ‘don’t know’.

Class	All adults	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65+ year olds
Working class	48%	40%	50%	54%	41%
Middle class	36%	42%	33%	31%	43%
Upper class	0%	1%	0%	0%	0%
None of these	11%	7%	11%	12%	13%
Don’t know	5%	11%	6%	3%	3%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by age: 18 to 24 n=369, 25 to 49 n=1878, 50 to 64 n=1166, 65+ n=1280). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Four-fifths of adults think there is a large gap between social classes in Britain

79% of all UK adults believe that a large gap exists between social classes in Britain (with 34% describing it as ‘very large’ and 45% as ‘fairly large’) – 10% said there was a ‘fairly small’ gap and 1% ‘very small’.

There are regional differences: 84% of people in Scotland and Northern Ireland, say there’s a large gap, compared with 75% of people in the South West of England.

Breaking this down by age, people aged 25 to 49 are most likely to say there is a large gap (80%), followed by 50 to 64 year olds (79%), those aged 65+ (77%) and then the 18 to 24 year olds (75%).

How large or small do you think the gap is between different social classes in Britain today?

Gap between classes	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65+ year olds
Large gap	75%	80%	79%	77%
Small gap	10%	7%	13%	8%
Not sure	15%	12%	8%	6%

Percentage of people in each region who say there’s a large gap between social classes in Britain

Region	Percentage
Scotland	84%
Northern Ireland	84%
London	81%
North West	80%
South East	79%
Wales	79%
Yorkshire & the Humber	79%
West Midlands	78%
East Midlands	77%
North East	77%
East of England	76%
South West	75%

Sample size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by age: 18 to 24 n=369, 25 to 49 n=1878, 50 to 64 n=1166, 65+ n=1280) (unweighted sample size by region: North East n=181, North West n=429, Yorkshire and the Humber n=362, East Midlands n=345, West Midlands n=335 , East of England n=416, London n=452, South East n=603, South West n=432, Wales n=495, Scotland n=543, Northern Ireland n=100). Fieldwork: 27th January to 1st February 2021.

The impact of coronavirus

Over half of all adults think the coronavirus pandemic has increased inequality in Britain

56% of adults in the UK say that inequality has increased in Britain due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A third (33%) say it’s increased by ‘a lot’ – and only 3% believe that inequality has decreased (2% by ‘a little’ and 1% by ‘a lot’).

A quarter (25%) say that the coronavirus outbreak has made no difference to inequality in Britain.

A small but sizable portion (16%) say they ‘don’t know’ if there has been any impact on inequality.

Do you think the coronavirus outbreak has:	Percentage
Increased the amount of inequality in Britain by a lot	33%
Increased the amount of inequality in Britain by a little	23%
Made no difference to the amount of inequality in Britain	25%
Decreased the amount of inequality in Britain by a little	2%
Decreased the amount of inequality in Britain by a lot	1%
Don’t know	16%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Most people think the pandemic has had the biggest impact on mental health

55% of adults think that the repercussions on mental health have been one of the most negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on people in their local area. This is closely connected to the second most commonly cited negative impact, which is the lack of social contact (44%).

To aid the country’s recovery, people think that the government should prioritise employment opportunities (47%), mental health (46%) and access to education (33%). These are the most popular responses.

What do you think have been the most negative impacts of coronavirus on people in your local area?	Percentage
People’s mental health	55%
Lack of social contact	44%
Employment opportunities	26%
Access to education	22%
People’s physical health	18%
Access to childcare	4%
Something else	2%
Access to training	1%
Don’t know	9%

Thinking about the measures the Government take as the country recovers from the coronavirus, which of the following issues do you think they should prioritise?	Percentage
Employment opportunities	47%
People’s mental health	46%
Access to education	33%
People’s physical health	20%
Lack of social contact	15%
Access to training	7%
Access to childcare	4%
Something else	3%
Don’t know	8%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Women are more likely to advocate mental health as a priority for the country’s recovery

People under the age of 65 are most likely to think that the effect on mental health has been one of the most negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic for people in their local area – 25 to 49 year olds (62%) are most likely to say this.

Women are more likely than men to say that the effect on mental health is one of the biggest impacts of the pandemic (59% versus 51%).

As the country recovers from the pandemic, 25 to 49 year olds are the age group most likely to say that mental health should be a priority for the government (52%). Over half of women think this (51%), compared with 42% of men.

Mental health impact and prioritisation	Female	Male	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65+ year olds
Adults who think that the effect on people’s mental health has been one of the most negative impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in their area	59%	51%	52%	62%	57%	43%
Adults who think mental health should be a priority for the government as the country recovers from the coronavirus pandemic	51%	42%	49%	52%	46%	35%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by age: 18 to 24 n=369, 25 to 49 n=1878, 50 to 64 n=1166, 65+ n=1280) (unweighted sample size by gender: Male n=2068, Female n=2625). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

People believe the impact of coronavirus is spread evenly across the country

Across the country, and across a range of factors, the majority of people think that their area has been impacted to about the same degree as anywhere else.

This is most apparent in education where 64% say the situation in their area is similar to elsewhere. Around half also thought the impact had been similar in terms of employment, health and living standards (51%, 52% and 53% respectively).

However, a quarter (24%) of all respondents thought that their area had suffered more in terms of employment opportunities than other parts of the country.

Do you think your area has suffered more or less than other parts of the country, due to coronavirus, in terms of the following:	Suffered more than other parts of the country	Suffered less than other parts of the country	Been impacted about the same	Don’t know
Employment	24%	11%	51%	14%
Health	22%	14%	52%	12%
Living standards	19%	13%	53%	15%
Education	14%	8%	64%	15%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1st February.

People in the North are the most likely to say that they have suffered more than others in terms of education and employment

Across the UK, the majority of people think that their area has been impacted about the same as others when considering the effect of the pandemic on education and employment.

People in the North of England are the most likely to say that they have suffered more in terms of education and employment (21% and 35% respectively).

People in the South are the least likely to feel that they have been unfairly impacted, with only 8% saying that they have suffered more than others in terms of education, and 17% in terms of employment.

Do you think your area has suffered more or less than other parts of the country, due to coronavirus, in terms of the following:

The impact on education	Suffered more than other parts of the country	Suffered less than other parts of the country	Been impacted about the same as other parts of the country	Don’t know
North	21%	4%	59%	15%
Northern Ireland	18%	6%	75%	1%
London	16%	9%	58%	17%
Midlands and Wales	14%	6%	66%	13%
Scotland	10%	7%	71%	12%
Rest of South	8%	11%	65%	16%

The impact on employment	Suffered more than other parts of the country	Suffered less than other parts of the country	Been impacted about the same as other parts of the country	Don’t know
North	35%	6%	44%	16%
London	26%	18%	42%	14%
Northern Ireland	26%	11%	60%	3%
Midlands and Wales	22%	7%	58%	13%
Scotland	19%	10%	59%	13%
Rest of South	17%	15%	52%	16%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by region: London n=452, Rest of South n=1451, Midlands/ Wales n=1175, North n=972, Scotland n=543, Northern Ireland n=100). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

People in the North are also the most likely to say that they have suffered more than others in terms of living standards

Across the UK, the majority of people think that their area has been impacted about the same as others when considering the effect of the pandemic on their living standards and health.

People living in the North of England are the most likely to say that their living standards have suffered more than others (33%). A much smaller percentage (7%) say their area has suffered less and 45% say it’s about the same as it is in other parts of the country.

In the South of England, 20% say they have suffered less than other areas in terms of living standards, and a similar proportion (21%) say they’ve suffered less than others in terms of health.

Do you think your area has suffered more or less than other parts of the country, due to coronavirus, in terms of:

The impact on people’s living standards	Suffered more than other parts of the country	Suffered less than other parts of the country	Been impacted about the same as other parts of the country	Don’t know
North	33%	7%	45%	15%
Northern Ireland	27%	10%	60%	4%
London	21%	15%	48%	16%
Midlands / Wales	16%	9%	61%	13%
Scotland	15%	12%	58%	15%
Rest of South	10%	20%	54%	16%

The impact on people’s health	Suffered more than other parts of the country	Suffered less than other parts of the country	Been impacted about the same as other parts of the country	Don’t know
London	32%	8%	47%	13%
North	31%	9%	47%	14%
Northern Ireland	31%	12%	57%	1%
Midlands / Wales	22%	9%	58%	11%
Scotland	14%	20%	54%	12%
Rest of South	12%	21%	54%	13%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by region: London n=452, Rest of South n=1451, Midlands/ Wales n=1175, North n=972, Scotland n=543, Northern Ireland n=100). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

The impact of background

Social mobility is ‘becoming harder’ for those from less advantaged backgrounds

Two-fifths (39%) of the public think that it is becoming more difficult for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society.

The same is seen across most age groups, with those aged 25 to 49 years old (42%) and 50 to 64 years old (41%) most likely to think it is becoming harder.

The findings are in line with our previous Social Mobility Barometer report, which was based on a YouGov survey taken in March 2019. For example, this year, 23% say social mobility is becoming easier (22% in 2019). Those aged 18 to 24 are the most likely to think that it’s becoming easier (35% in 2021 and 32% in 2019).

Generally speaking, do you think it is becoming easier or harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society?

Generally speaking, do you think it is becoming easier or harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society	All UK adults	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65+ year olds
It is becoming easier	23%	35%	19%	22%	25%
It is becoming harder	39%	37%	42%	41%	33%
It is staying much the same	28%	17%	24%	30%	37%
Not sure	10%	12%	14%	7%	6%

All UK Adults	Percentage
It is becoming easier	23%
It is becoming harder	39%
It is staying much the same	28%
Not sure	10%

18 to 24 year olds	Percentage
It is becoming easier	35%
It is becoming harder	37%
It is staying much the same	17%
Not sure	12%

25 to 49 year olds	Percentage
It is becoming easier	19%
It is becoming harder	42%
It is staying much the same	24%
Not sure	14%

50 to 64 year olds	Percentage
It is becoming easier	22%
It is becoming harder	41%
It is staying much the same	30%
Not sure	7%

65+ year olds	Percentage
It is becoming easier	25%
It is becoming harder	33%
It is staying much the same	37%
Not sure	6%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by age: 18 to 24 n=369, 25 to 49 n=1878, 50 to 64 n=1166, 65+ n=1280). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Nearly half the population say where you end up depends on your parents and background

46% of UK adults believe that where you end up in society is mainly determined by your background and who your parents are. More than half of the people in the younger age groups are likely to say the same (51% of 18 to 24 year olds and 52% of 25 to 49 year olds).

Around a third (35%) of all adults in the UK believe that everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their hard work will take them. The over 65s are most likely to think this (47%).

While figures are based only on a small sub-sample of ethnic minority respondents, the survey suggests that over half of BME respondents (54%) believe that where individuals end up is mainly determined by their background and who their parents are. Additionally, only a quarter (25%) of BME respondents believe that everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them.

Which of the following best reflects your view:	All UK adults	18 to 24 year olds	25 to 49 year olds	50 to 64 year olds	65+ year olds	White	BME[footnote 1]
Everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and their hard work will take them	35%	29%	28%	39%	47%	36%	25%
Where you end up in society is mainly determined by your background and who your parents were	46%	51%	52%	45%	36%	46%	54%
Neither	12%	8%	11%	12%	15%	12%	9%
Don’t know	7%	12%	9%	4%	3%	6%	12%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by age: 18 to 24 n=369, 25 to 49 n=1878, 50 to 64 n=1166, 65+ n=1280) (unweighted sample size by ethnicity: White n=4390, BME n=240). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

People are most likely to say that their background has no impact on their education or career

People are more likely to think that their family background has had no impact on their education or career than they are to consider it a help or a hindrance.

45% say their background has not been an advantage or disadvantage for their education, and the majority of people say the same for their choice of career (51%) and progression at work (58%).

Only a third (33%) say their family background gave them advantages in their education, a quarter (25%) in their choice of career and one-fifth (20%) in their progression at work.

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in:	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
Your education	33%	17%	45%	5%
Your choice of career	25%	16%	51%	7%
Your progression at work	20%	16%	51%	7%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021

The more educated you are, the more likely you are to say that your background has helped you

The higher an individual’s level of education, the more likely they are to believe that their family background has been helpful in getting them there.

Nearly half (48%) of those with a high level of education feel that their background has been advantageous. That’s 28% higher than those who achieved a low level of education and 15% above the national average (see page 19). A similar pattern can be seen with career choice.

When asked about progression at work, the trend remains, but to a much lesser degree.

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your education	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
Low level of education	20%	18%	55%	6%
Medium level of education	32%	17%	46%	5%
High level of education	48%	16%	34%	3%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your choice of career	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
Low level of education	19%	17%	56%	8%
Medium level of education	27%	16%	51%	7%
High level of education	31%	18%	48%	4%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your progression at work	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
Low level of education	18%	14%	59%	9%
Medium level of education	20%	13%	59%	9%
High level of education	21%	16%	57%	6%

Sample size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by highest education level Low=1296, Medium n=1997, High n=1400). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

People say their ethnicity could have an impact on their education and career

Based on the relatively small sub-sample of ethnic minority respondents, the survey found BME people are more likely than white people to say that their family background has had an impact on their education, career choice and progression at work.

When asked about their education, BME people are more likely to say that their family background has given them an advantage (47% for BME respondents vs 31% for white respondents).

However, BME adults are also more likely to say that their background disadvantaged their choice of career (26% BME vs 16% White) and progression at work (23% BME vs 14% white).

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your education	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
White	31%	17%	47%	4%
BME[footnote 1]	47%	15%	30%	8%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your career	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
White	25%	16%	53%	6%
BME[footnote 1]	26%	26%	37%	12%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in your progression at work	Advantages	Disadvantages	None	Not sure
White	20%	14%	60%	7%
BME[footnote 1]	23%	23%	40%	15%

Sample size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by ethnicity: White n=4390, BME n=240). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Are things better than they used to be?

People say they’re better off than their parents in lots of ways, including their education

When asked to compare themselves to their parents, people are more likely to say that they’re better off, rather than worse off, on a range of measures. They are most likely to cite their education (64% say they’re better off vs 6% who say they’re worse off). They also feel better off in terms of their finances (49% vs 26%), standard of living (48% vs 18%), housing (37% vs 28%), position in society (29% vs 13%), and job satisfaction (29% vs 22%).

However they feel more negatively about their job security (33% say they’re worse off vs 29% who say they’re better off).

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents were in terms of:	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse off	Not sure
The education you received	64%	26%	6%	4%
Your financial situation	49%	19%	26%	6%
Your overall standard of living	48%	30%	18%	4%
Your housing	37%	29%	28%	5%
Your position in society	29%	50%	13%	8%
Job satisfaction	29%	37%	22%	12%
The level of job security you’ve experienced	29%	30%	33%	9%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

The over 65s think they are better off than their parents in every way from finances to social standing

People aged 65+ believe that they are better off than their parents in terms of their education (72%), overall standard of living (65%) and their financial situation (62%). All figures provided are net totals.

People aged 18 to 49 are most likely to feel worse off than their parents with regard to housing, job security and job satisfaction.

People aged 50 to 64 say they’re better off than their parents on all measures, apart from job security (-10%).

A larger proportion of 25 to 49 year olds(net total of -22%) report feeling worse off than their parents for housing –they feel more worse off than any other age group (and compared with any other measure).

The graph shows whether age groups feel better off or worse off than their parents on a range of measures. The bars illustrate the net total, which is the percentage who feel ‘better off’ minus the percentage who feel ‘worse off’.

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of:	18 to 24	25 to 49	50-64	65+
Your housing	-9%	-22%	24%	55%
The level of job security you’ve experienced	-11%	-14%	-10%	25%
Your financial situation	9%	1%	32%	62%
Job satisfaction	-5%	-7%	7%	35%
Your position in society	8%	5%	17%	34%
Your overall standard of living	24%	9%	34%	65%
The education you received	48%	50%	60%	72%

People in Northern Ireland feel more socially mobile than anywhere else in the UK

People in Northern Ireland are more likely to say that they are better off than their parents in terms of their education (74%), overall standard of living (53%), housing (47%) and job security (33%) than any other region in the UK. They are 23% more likely to say they are better off in terms of housing than Londoners (47% vs 24%).

Over two-fifths (43%) of Londoners say they are worse off for housing, and 20% say they have a worse overall standard of living. People in the rest of the South are the second most likely to say that they’re worse off in terms of housing (31%).

People in the rest of the South are the second most likely to say that they’re worse off in terms of housing (31%).

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of the education you’ve received?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not Sure
Northern Ireland	74%	17%	8%	1%
London	69%	23%	5%	3%
Midlands / Wales	64%	25%	7%	4%
North	63%	25%	8%	5%
Rest of South	62%	28%	6%	4%
Scotland	62%	27%	6%	4%

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of your overall standard of living?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not Sure
Northern Ireland	53%	24%	16%	7%
Midlands / Wales	51%	29%	16%	4%
Scotland	48%	32%	16%	4%
North	47%	30%	18%	4%
Rest of South	47%	29%	18%	4%
London	40%	33%	20%	6%

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of your housing?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not Sure
Northern Ireland	47%	31%	16%	7%
Scotland	40%	31%	23%	4%
Midlands / Wales	40%	29%	25%	5%
Rest of South	38%	27%	31%	5%
North	37%	31%	26%	6%
London	24%	26%	43%	6%

Do you think you’re better or worse off than your parents in terms of the level of job security you’ve experienced?	Better off	Similar to my parents	Worse Off	Not Sure
Northern Ireland	33%	35%	30%	3%
North	32%	27%	31%	9%
Midlands / Wales	31%	29%	33%	9%
London	30%	29%	35%	6%
Rest of South	26%	33%	32%	9%
Scotland	25%	31%	36%	8%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by region: London n=452, Rest of South n=1451, Midlands/Wales n=1175,North n=972, Scotland n=543, Northern Ireland n=100). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Nearly half the sample feel better about their finances than they did a decade ago

Around half (44%) of all the adults in the UK say that their current financial situation is better now than it was ten years ago. It is not possible to tell from the survey how related this is to the coronavirus outbreak; however, it could be connected to those who have saved money due to lockdown.

Around a quarter (26%) believe that their financial situation is about the same, and a similar proportion (24%) think it has got worse.

For all social groups surveyed, we have calculated the net score (which is the percentage of people who feel better off, minus the percentage of people who feel worse off). The higher the percentage, the more positive the group feels.

The largest positive net is seen in grade ‘B’ (31%), followed by ‘A’ (28%) and ‘C1’ (26%). Class ‘E’ is the most likely to report feeling worse off. Only 26% of those in ‘E’ say they’re better off, while 37% say they’re worse off, resulting in the only negative net score across the board (-11%).

Generally speaking, would you say your current financial situation is better or worse than it was ten years ago or is it about the same?	All UK adults
Better	44%
About the same	26%
Worse	24%
Don’t know	6%

Generally speaking, would you say your current financial situation is better or worse than it was ten years ago or is it about the same? (Broken down by social grade)[footnote 2]	Class A	B	C1	C2	D	E
Better	50%	52%	47%	43%	40%	26%
Worse	22%	21%	21%	23%	26%	37%
Net Total: better off minus worse off	28%	31%	26%	20%	14%	-11%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK. (unweighted sample size of social class: ‘A’ n=596, ‘B’ n=875, ‘C1’ n=1291, ‘C2’ n=802, ‘D’ n=512, ‘E’ n=614). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Generational differences

People say Generation X had the most opportunities… while the Silent Generation lost out

People born in the 1960s and 1970s, who are sometimes referred to as Generation X, are believed to have had the most opportunities to move up in society (24%) and the most freedom to do what they wanted in life (27%).

People born since the year 2000 (known as Generation Z) are also considered to have had the most freedom (27%) along with the best educational opportunities (30%).

People born before WW2 (the Silent Generation) are considered to have had the least opportunities in terms of ability to move up in society (1%), education (1%) and freedom (2%).

A small percentage say that there is no real difference across the generations.

Advantages	People born before the Second World War (The Silent Generation)	People born in the 1940s and 1950s (Baby Boomers)	People born in the 1960s and 1970s (Generation X)	People born in the 1980s and 1990 (Generation Y)	People born since the year 2000 (Generation Z)	No real difference between the generations	Don’t know
Which generation do you think had most opportunity to move up in society?	1%	17%	24%	20%	15%	6%	15%
Which generation do you think had the most freedom to do what they wanted in life?	2%	10%	27%	18%	27%	5%	12%
Which generation do you think had the best educational opportunities?	1%	8%	20%	26%	30%	4%	13%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Generation Z is thought to have experienced the highest standard of living

The generation born since the year 2000 (also known as Generation Z) is thought to have experienced the highest standards of living (24%). A similar proportion (22%) believe that the highest standards have been enjoyed by people born in the 60s and 70s (Generation X).

Generation X is most likely to be thought of as having the best financial situation overall (25%), followed by Generation Y, who were born in the 1980s and 90s (20%) and Baby Boomers who were born in the 1940s and 50s (19%).

The most disadvantaged cohort is thought to be the Silent Generation, who were born before the Second World War –they received the lowest scores on all three measures.

Advantages	People born before the Second World War (The Silent Generation)	People born in the 1940s and 1950s (Baby Boomers)	People born in the 1960s and 1970s (Generation X)	People born in the 1980s and 1990 (Generation Y)	People born since the year 2000 (Generation Z)	No real difference between the generations	Don’t know
Which generation do you think experienced the highest standard of living?	2%	17%	22%	18%	24%	4%	13%
Which generation do you think was most able to access good housing?	2%	25%	33%	17%	8%	3%	12%
Which generation do you think was in the best financial situation?	2%	19%	25%	20%	11%	4%	18%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

People think that the oldest and youngest generations have lost out in the job market

Baby Boomers – those born in the 1940s and 50s – are believed to have had the most job security (31%).

Generation Z (those born after the year 2000) are perceived to have the least job security (4%). This is despite the fact that they are believed to have enjoyed the best educational opportunities. 4% believe that Generation Z have had the most job security (in 2021 and in 2019. A similar portion say the same about job satisfaction (5% in 2021 and 4% in 2019).

Advantages	People born before the Second World War (The Silent Generation)	People born in the 1940s and 1950s (Baby Boomers)	People born in the 1960s and 1970s (Generation X)	People born in the 1980s and 1990 (Generation Y)	People born since the year 2000 (Generation Z)	No real difference between the generations	Don’t know
Which generation do you think had the most job security?	5%	31%	26%	11%	4%	6%	16%
Which generation do you think had the most job satisfaction?	3%	16%	19%	12%	5%	17%	28%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Regional differences

Three quarters of adults see a divided nation for opportunities

Three quarters (74%) of all UK adults think that there is a ‘very large’ or ‘fairly large’ difference in the opportunities available across Britain today -while only 16% said there was ‘not very much’ or ‘no difference at all’.

In Northern Ireland, people are most likely to see regional differences (89%), followed by the North East (86%) and Wales (79%).

Adults in the East Midlands are least likely to see differences but are still overwhelming likely to say that there are large regional differences in terms of opportunities available (68%).

How much difference, if any, do you think there is in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today?	All UK adults
Large difference	74%
Not very much / no difference at all	16%
Don’t know	11%

Percentage of adults who say that there are large differences in opportunities in different parts of Britain

Region	Percentage
Northern Ireland	89%
North East	86%
Wales	79%
London	76%
North West	76%
Scotland	75%
South West	73%
West Midlands	72%
Yorkshire & the Humber	72%
South East	71%
East of England	69%
East Midlands	68%

Sample size: 4693 adults in UK. (unweighted sample size by region: London n=452, South East n=603, South West n=432, West Midlands n=335, East Midlands n=345, East of England n=416, Wales n=495, North East n=181, North West n=429, Scotland n=543, Northern Ireland n=100). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February.

People in the South East are twice as likely to say they have good opportunities than people in the North East of England

Over half (53%) of the public say there are ‘very’ or ‘fairly good’ opportunities for people to progress in their area. In London 74% say they have good opportunities. Figures are high across the South of England, particularly the South East (65%).

People in the North are less likely to say that their area gives more opportunities than anywhere else. In the North East, only 31% rated their area as ‘good’ for progression.

Yorkshire and the Humber (44%), the North West (45%) and Wales (35%) are also given low ratings by their residents.

Considering the area you live in, compared to other parts of the United Kingdom, do you think the opportunities available for people to progress are	All UK adults
Good	53%
Poor	34%
Don’t know	12%

Percentage of adults who say that opportunities to progress in their area are good:

Region	Percentage
London	74%
South East	65%
East of England	64%
West Midlands	52%
South West	50%
East Midlands	49%
Scotland	49%
North West	45%
Northern Ireland	45%
Yorkshire & the Humber	44%
Wales	35%
North East	31%

Sample size: 4693 adults in UK. (unweighted sample size by region: London n=452, South East n=603, South West n=432, West Midlands n=335, East Midlands n=345, East of England n=416, Wales n=495, North East n=181, North West n=429, Scotland n=543, Northern Ireland n=100). Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February

Support from government and employers

People say that those who are ‘just about managing’ are not getting enough government support

Two-thirds (64%) of the population say that those who are ‘just about managing’ are not getting enough support from the government. Only 2% say that they’re getting too much support.

Just over half (52%) say that the government should be doing more for the least well off in society. However 11% say that they’re getting too much support.

The majority of people (60%) say that those who are most well off in society get too much support from the government – only 21% feel that those who are ‘fairly comfortable financially’ get too much support.

Thinking about different groups in society, generally speaking do you think each of the following get too much, not enough or about the right amount of support from the government:	Too much support	About the right amount of support	Not enough support	Don’t know
People who are the least well off	11%	27%	52%	11%
People who are just about managing	2%	25%	64%	10%
People who are fairly comfortable financially	21%	58%	7%	14%
People who are the most well off	60%	22%	3%	16%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

People say that government should do more for social mobility – and schools could offer a solution

When people were asked which institutions are best equipped to improve social mobility, and promote equal opportunities, the most commonly cited response was ‘schools’ (46%) followed by central government (37%) and employers (36%).

People thought that government should be doing more to ensure opportunities for all, with central government (53%) and local government (42%) most frequently cited.

Which of the following is best equipped to have an impact on social mobility and ensuring opportunity for all (including those from disadvantaged backgrounds)?	Percentage
Schools	46%
Central government	37%
Employers	36%
Universities and other post-16 providers	32%
Local government	26%
Nurseries	6%
Charities and think-tanks	5%
None of these	5%
Don’t know	19%

Which, if any, of the following do you think should be doing more to impact on social mobility and ensuring opportunity for all (including those from disadvantaged backgrounds)?	Percentage
Central government	53%
Local government	42%
Employers	36%
Schools	35%
Universities and other post-16 providers	28%
Charities and think-tanks	7%
Nurseries	5%
None of these	5%
Don’t know	18%

Sample size 4693 adults in UK. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Young people say employers should take action to improve social mobility

Two-fifths (42%) of UK adults think that employers should have to take action to improve social mobility. This is more than in our 2019 survey (31%).

The younger you are, the more likely you are to say that employers should take responsibility (53% of 18 to 24 year olds vs 36% of people aged 65+).

Based on the relatively small sub-sample of ethnic minority respondents, the survey found people from BME backgrounds are more likely to think that employers should take action than white respondents (58% compared with 41%).

Do you think employers should or should not have to take action to try and improve social mobility?	Should have to	Should not have to	Don’t know
All UK adults	42%	27%	31%
White	41%	28%	31%
BME[footnote 3]	58%	14%	27%
18 to 24 year olds	53%	15%	32%
25 to 49 year olds	44%	23%	33%
50 to 64 year olds	40%	30%	30%
65+ year olds	36%	36%	29%

Sample Size: 4693 adults in UK (unweighted sample size by age: 18 to 24 n=369, 25 to 49 n=1878, 50 to 64 n=1166, 65+ n=1280) (unweighted sample size by ethnicity: White n=4390, BME n=240 Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February 2021.

Trends over time

For the past five years, people have said there’s a large gap between the social classes – but now they think it’s getting easier for the least advantaged to move up

79% of UK adults believe there is large gap between social classes in Britain, continuing a small upward trend from 2018 and 2019 (75% and 77% respectively). We are now at the same level that we were in 2017.

People are most likely to say that their own background has had no advantages or disadvantages in terms of impacting on their career and education. However a third (33%) say that their background has given them advantages with their education, which is slightly down on 2019’s figure of 35%.

More people than ever say that it’s becoming easier for the less advantaged sectors to move up in society – 23% agreed with this in 2021 compared with 18% in 2017. However, two-fifths (39%) think it’s getting harder (no change from 2019).

How large or small do you think the gap is between different social classes in Britain today:	March 2017	March 2018	October 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Large	79%	76%	75%	77%	79%
Small	12%	13%	14%	13%	11%
Not Sure	9%	11%	11%	9%	10%

Generally speaking, do you think it is becoming easier or harder for people from less advantaged backgrounds to move up in British society:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Harder	44%	40%	39%	39%
Same	29%	29%	29%	28%
Easier	18%	21%	22%	23%
Not Sure	9%	10%	10%	10%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in…your career:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
None	51%	53%	51%	51%
Advantages	26%	23%	26%	25%
Disadvantages	16%	16%	15%	16%
Not Sure	7%	8%	7%	7%

Which of the following best reflects your view:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Everyone has a fair chance to go as far as their talent and hard work will take them	32%	33%	35%	36%
Where you end up mainly determined by your background/who your parents were	48%	46%	44%	46%
Neither	13%	14%	14%	12%
Don’t Know	7%	8%	7%	7%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in…your education:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
None	43%	45%	44%	45%
Advantages	35%	32%	35%	33%
Disadvantages	17%	17%	15%	17%
Not Sure	5%	5%	6%	5%

Thinking about your family background, do you think it gave you any advantages or disadvantages in…your progression at work:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
None	57%	59%	59%	58%
Advantages	23%	18%	20%	20%
Disadvantages	13%	13%	12%	14%
Not Sure	8%	9%	9%	8%

Sample size for March 2017: 4723 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 6 to 9 March 2017. Sample size for March 2018: 5520 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 19 to 22 March 2018. Sample size for October 2018: 1656 GB Adults.

Fieldwork: 9 to 10 October 2018. Sample size for March 2019: 4860 UK adults. Sample size for February 2021: 4693 UK adults. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February.

Despite coronavirus, more people than ever say that their financial situation is ‘better’ than it was a decade ago

There has been a steep increase in the proportion of people who say that their current financial situation is better than it was 10 years ago (44% in 2021 vs 37% in 2017). A decreasing proportion say their financial situation is getting worse (24% in 2021 vs 31% in 2017).

For the past four years, around half the population has consistently said that the least well off don’t get enough government support (52% in 2021).

A high proportion of people (64% in 2021) have also consistently been saying that those who are ‘just about managing’ need more support.

Overall, people see a divided Britain, with large differences in opportunities, depending on where you live. 74% report seeing ‘large differences’ in 2021, which is up slightly since 2017 (71%).

How much difference, if any, do you think there is in the opportunities available in different parts of Britain today:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Large differences	71%	73%	76%	74%
Not very much / no difference	18%	16%	15%	16%
Don’t know	11%	11%	10%	11%

Generally speaking, would you say your current financial situation is better or worse than it was ten years ago or is it about the same:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Better	37%	37%	37%	44%
Same	31%	31%	29%	26%
Worse	28%	25%	26%	24%
Don’t know	5%	6%	7%	6%

Do you think those who are least well off get too much, not enough, or about the right amount of support from the government?

Those who are the least well off:	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Not enough	49%	49%	52%	52%
Right amount	25%	26%	25%	27%
Too much	12%	12%	11%	11%
Don’t know	13%	13%	12%	11%

Those who are just about managing	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Not enough	61%	63%	65%	64%
Right amount	25%	23%	23%	25%
Too much	2%	2%	2%	2%
Don’t know	12%	12%	11%	10%

Those who are fairly comfortable financially	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Not enough	8%	7%	8%	7%
Right amount	51%	55%	55%	58%
Too much	26%	21%	21%	21%
Don’t know	15%	16%	15%	14%

Those who are the most well off	March 2017	March 2018	March 2019	February 2021
Not enough	3%	3%	3%	3%
Right amount	22%	23%	24%	22%
Too much	58%	55%	56%	60%
Don’t know	17%	19%	17%	16%

Sample size for March 2017: 4723 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 6 to 9 March 2017. Sample size for March 2018: 5520 UK Adults. Fieldwork: 19 to 22 March 2018. Sample size for October 2018: 1656 GB Adults. Fieldwork: 9 to 10 October 2018. Sample size for March 2019: 4860 UK adults. Sample size for February 2021: 4693 UK adults. Fieldwork: 27 January to 1 February.

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at the Social Mobility Commission, Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT. Email: contact@socialmobilitycommission.gov.uk

1. The sample size was too small to allow analysis of individual ethnic groups. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

2. Not including those who ‘refused’ or were ‘unknown’: n=3. ↩

3. The sample size was too small to allow analysis of individual ethnic groups. ↩