Social mobility of individuals in the urban commune of Vatomandry, Atsinanana-Madagascar region

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to analyze the extent to which individuals' career paths are influenced by those of their parents. The study also examines the social and economic factors underlying this transmission. The study was carried out in the urban commune of Vatomandry, located in the Atsinanana region of Madagascar. Data were collected from 279 active individuals, using a questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on the respondents' socio-professional trajectories, compared with those of their parents. Variables of interest included occupation and level of education. The results show a strong intergenerational transmission of educational capital. This relationship was confirmed by Spearman's correlation test, which revealed a monotonic correlation between the educational level of children and that of their parents. Furthermore, the Chi-2 test showed that, at the 5% threshold, there was a statistically significant relationship between the occupation of the respondents and that of their parents. These results suggest intergenerational occupational reproduction, where the socio-professional trajectories of individuals are influenced by those of their parents. The study shows that the transmission of educational capital is a key factor in the reproduction of social and occupational inequalities from one generation to the next. The relationship between parents' and children's levels of education, as well as the similarity of occupations between generations, highlights the influence of socio-economic factors. These elements underline their importance in social and professional mobility.