We are familiar with the saying “Education is the key to success”. It rings to be true because education hones our abilities and skills, which we can use later in life. However, it can make or break an individual. For instance, people who encounter financial problems may tend to have a difficult time getting a degree. These kinds of situations produce adversities that may arise later on in their life. Their educational attainment can become a hindrance for them to land a high-paying job. Meanwhile, people who were able to accomplish a degree can easily find profitable work.

In those observable experiences of Filipino families, we can say that education creates an immense impact on an individual’s life, especially on our social mobility. As humans, hierarchy exists in our society where we strive to move up the social ladder. Individuals are recognized in society based on their status or role. In light of this, below is a list of the roles of education in social mobility:

Education is a stepping stone in increasing status and roles in society. It is the key to achieving good things in life. When an individual finishes higher educational attainment, the chances of getting a high-paying job are vaster. This is a reality that our learners will experience when applying for a job. The higher the educational attainment, the more secured the income. 

Being left behind in education can cause families to stay at the bottom of the social caste. Since these individuals experience financial constraints, they are left with no choice but to work rather than go to school. It is observable in third world countries like the Philippines; where children sell things like ‘sampaguitas’ instead of going to school, so they can survive. On the contrary, some students shed their blood and sweat to stay in school. 
 
Education motivates an individual to keep his/her social status or rise in the social caste. It is a tool for an individual in a higher social class to maintain his/her position. They do not want to be left behind; thus, they work hard to get good grades and be enrolled in a prestigious university. On the other hand, individuals from the bottom of the social class also tend to study hard so they can increase their status. 

                  As primary stakeholders of education, we should ask ourselves what contributions can we provide to aid our learners in these kinds of situations. Living in the second year of new normal education brought setbacks that prevents learners to have easy access to education. Hence, our greatest responsibility in this present-day is to disseminate the importance of education in social mobility. Let us instill in their hearts that education is truly a key to a successful life. 

                  In the end, let us continue toiling towards a society where everyone is given an equal opportunity to learn. 

 

By: Lyka Eunice O. Magdalera | Teacher I | Bataan National High School