| Yhteenveto: | We start from a general theory of intergenerational class mobility previously proposed as an
alternative to the ‘liberal’ theory. In further evaluating these theories, we report empirical
analyses of relations within the origins-education-destinations (OED) triangle, drawing on data
for individuals born 1923-77 in 17 European societies. In contrast with earlier research, we
treat education in relative terms. We find that the tendency for fluidity to increase within
class structures after WW2, rather than being the expression of a ‘worldwide secular trend’,
was restricted to a distinctive historical period of rapid economic growth and class structural
change. Further, in accounting for this increasing fluidity, the role of education may easily be
exaggerated. The weakening of the ‘direct’ OD association is of at least comparable
importance to changes in the OE and ED associations. Consistently with the proposed theory,
class structural change, insofar as it promotes greater upward mobility, would also appear to
provide a favourable context for increasing fluidity. Where downward mobility increases, the
growing motivation and the capacity of more advantaged parents to protect their children
against déclassement constitutes a powerful source of resistance to change in endogenous
mobility regimes.
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