* Country/Region: The impact of education on mobility varies significantly across countries. Some countries have seen a strengthening of the link between education and upward mobility, while others have seen it weaken or remain stagnant. For example, studies suggest that the "returns to education" (the economic benefit of obtaining more education) have been relatively stagnant or even declining in some developed countries.
* Type of Education: The type of education matters. A postgraduate degree might have a stronger impact on mobility than a high school diploma. The relevance of specific skills and fields of study also shifts over time, affecting the value of different educational credentials.
* Socioeconomic Background: The impact of education on mobility often differs depending on a person's starting point. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may see a greater increase in mobility through education, but even with high levels of education, they may still face barriers to upward mobility.
* Measurement Challenges: Accurately measuring social mobility and its relationship to education is difficult. Researchers use different methodologies and definitions of mobility, making comparisons across studies challenging.
* Economic Factors: Broader economic trends, such as income inequality, job market changes (e.g., automation), and access to high-quality education, significantly influence the relationship between education and mobility. A shrinking middle class and increased income inequality might lessen the positive impact of education on mobility.
In summary: While education generally remains a crucial factor influencing social mobility, whether its *impact* has increased over the past decade is debatable. Some research suggests a weakening of the link in certain contexts, while other studies show a continued, though possibly uneven, positive relationship. A definitive conclusion requires a more nuanced analysis considering the factors listed above and examining specific geographical contexts and population groups. More research is needed to fully understand the evolving relationship between education and social mobility in the 21st century.