Which term describes the idea that American society allows for class movement and fluidity, particularly for immigrants?

The concept of economic mobility is the term that best describes the idea that American society allows for class movement and fluidity, particularly for immigrants. Economic mobility refers to the ability of individuals or families to move up or down the economic ladder, influencing their social standing and financial situation. This characteristic of American society is foundational to the "American Dream," where individuals can improve their economic status through hard work, education, and opportunity.

Immigrants, particularly in the United States, have historically sought better economic prospects and many have successfully achieved upward mobility through various avenues, such as entrepreneurship, education, and entry into better-paying jobs. This fluidity is a distinctive feature of the American experience, contrasting with more rigid class structures in other societies where movement between classes is significantly limited.

In contrast, class distribution refers to how different social classes are organized within a society, while social stratification describes the hierarchical arrangement of individuals based on various social and economic factors. Cultural assimilation focuses on how individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group, which does not specifically address movement between social classes. Thus, economic mobility captures the essence of the ability to rise within the societal structure, especially relevant to immigrant populations seeking advancement.