Class, Inequality, and Social Mobility in Urban Contexts: Evidence from Pakistan

Abstract

Urbanization has transformed social structures across developing countries,
particularly in South Asia. In Pakistan, rapid urban growth has intensified class
stratification, widened socioeconomic inequalities, and reshaped pathways of
social mobility. This article examines the interrelationship between class
structure, inequality, and social mobility within urban contexts, focusing on
major Pakistani cities. Drawing on sociological theory and empirical evidence,
the study analyzes how income disparities, access to education, housing
segregation, and labor market informality influence upward and downward
mobility. The article argues that while cities offer opportunities for advancement,
structural constraints often reproduce class inequalities across generations.
Policy-oriented recommendations are proposed to promote inclusive urban
development and equitable mobility.